And here lies the vast importance of the novel, properly handled. It can inform and lead into new places the flow of our sympathetic consciousness, and it can lead our sympathy away in recoil from things gone dead. Therefore, the novel, properly handled, can reveal the most secret places of life: for it is in the passional secret places of life, above all, that the tide of sensitive awareness needs to ebb and flow, cleansing and freshening.
The quote emphasizes the profound significance of the novel when it is crafted with care. A well-written novel has the ability to expand our understanding and evoke empathy, guiding our thoughts toward new experiences and insights. It can also provoke a reaction, making us recoil from aspects of life that have lost their vitality and meaning. Through this process, novels serve as a powerful tool for exploring the deeper, often hidden aspects of human existence.
D.H. Lawrence asserts that the novel holds the capacity to illuminate the most intimate parts of life, where emotions and sensitivities are deeply intertwined. This ebb and flow of awareness is essential for rejuvenation and clarity, allowing readers to confront the complex realities of their own passions and experiences. In essence, a thoughtfully approached novel can cleanse and refresh our perception of life, revealing truths that resonate with our deepest feelings.
