“The only obligation to which in advance we may hold a novel without incurring the accusation of being arbitrary is that it be interesting.”
— Henry James
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Simplified Meaning:
When we read a novel, the main thing we expect is for it to capture our attention and keep us hooked. It shouldn't be boring. Imagine you're watching a movie or a TV show. You would quickly lose interest if nothing exciting happens, right? The same goes for a book. It doesn't have to follow any super strict rules or match everyone's idea of what a book should be, but it needs to be able to keep the reader curious and entertained. In life, this means we should focus on making our stories, whether they're written, told, or experienced, engaging and meaningful. If you're writing a story or just sharing something important, make sure it's something that grabs attention and keeps people wanting to hear more.
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