The novel is the most popular literary form. Novels are more popular than poems and plays, because novels are more readable. People read novels mainly because a novel usually contains a good story. Most people think that a novel must contain a story. It is the story that attracts readers to novels. Another reason for the popularity of novels is that novels are usually written in simple style. Anyone who has learnt to read can read a novel. No special skill is needed for reading a novel. That is why many people read novels to while away their time.

A novel resembles a life. When a person reads a novel, he feels that the characters are living persons. He feels that they are his friends and neighbors. When a person reads a large number of novels in this manner, it gives him an insight into human nature and awareness of social life.

The only demerit of reading novels is that a novel-reader may become absorbed in novels and neglect his duties. One should therefore read novels without neglecting one’s duties. There is no other disadvantage if one reads only good novels.

The disadvantages are greater if one reads cheap novels. The life depicted in cheap novels is of a low kind, and it is likely to have a bad influence on the readers. For example if one reads novels about evil things, he or she may become evil soon.

So, we should neglect evil things and get good spirit from novels like swan that neglects water and drinks only milk in the mixture of water and milk.