"The only obligation to which in advance we may hold a novel without incurring the accusation of being arbitrary is that it be interesting."
Simplified meaning
When we pick up a novel to read, the one thing we can fairly expect is that it should keep us engaged. Think about watching a movie; nobody wants to watch something boring where nothing happens, right? The same goes for a book — it should capture our interest and make us want to keep turning the pages. For example, imagine reading a detective story. If the mystery is intriguing and the characters are fascinating, you'll want to know what happens next. So, just like a movie or show, a novel's main job is to be entertaining. This means regardless of its genre or style, it should make the reader curious and excited to continue reading. If a novel can do that, it’s fulfilling its most important duty.
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