The Natural Laws of Plot: How Things Happen in Realist Novels

Yoon Sun Lee's book "The Natural Laws of Plot" challenges the distinction between plot and setting, arguing that plot cannot be separated from the material setting in which it takes place. He connects the history of the novel and the history of science to show how plot in the realist novel is shaped by the characteristics of the physical world and how it serves as the avenue through which the novel participates in the same lines of inquiry about the world as pursued by the natural and physical sciences. Lee demonstrates how bodies, human and non-human, behave according to laws that are built into worlds by plot and how they are subject to causes and consequences that can occur independently of individual action, social forces, or metaphysical destiny. This interest in representing and exploring how things happen sets the novel apart from other literary genres and makes the history of science integral to the understanding of the history and theory of the novel and of narrative.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 27 September 2022
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

The Nature of Plot: A Deeper Exploration

In his groundbreaking book, "The Natural Laws of Plot," Yoon Sun Lee challenges our conventional understanding of plot as a linear sequence of events or actions driven solely by human agency. Instead, he proposes a more nuanced perspective that recognizes the inseparable connection between plot and setting. Lee argues that plot cannot be divorced from the material world in which it unfolds, as it is shaped by the inherent characteristics of that world.

By tracing the history of the novel and the history of science, Lee demonstrates how plot in the realist novel takes shape through the interplay of physical world characteristics. He shows how the novel, as a form of inquiry, participates in the same lines of inquiry about the world as pursued by the natural and physical sciences. Through readings from various authors such as Defoe, Austen, Scott, and many others, Lee illustrates how bodies, both human and non-human, behave according to laws built into worlds by plot. He also highlights how these bodies are subject to causes and consequences that exist independently of individual actions, social forces, or metaphysical destiny.

What sets the novel apart from other literary genres is its interest in representing and exploring how things happen in a coherent, objective, and possibly real world. Lee argues that plot satisfies our innate desire to understand the world around us, providing us with a sense of immersion and power. By delving into the nature of plot, this book offers a deeper understanding of the history and theory of the novel, as well as narrative itself. It sheds light on the ways in which plot shapes our perception of reality, influences our moral judgments, and contributes to the construction of our collective identity.

In conclusion, "The Natural Laws of Plot" is a thought-provoking and transformative work that challenges our preconceived notions of plot and offers a fresh perspective on the literary and scientific realms. By exploring the intricate relationship between plot and setting, Lee provides us with a deeper understanding of the world and our place within it. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, science, and the human experience.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781512823400