This study will discuss James A. Michener's novel The Novel, from the perspective of the psychology of creativity. Specifically, the study will examine the actions and lives of the major characters in the book, using the concepts of Abraham Maslow and Carl Jung, and will expound on whether or not the pastor present experience of the characters brings them closer to creativity and helps them move creatively forward.
Michener seems to be arguing that the two writers in the first two sections of his book fit into two distinct categories of creativity. The first writer is Lukas Yoder, and the second writer is Benno "Bruce" Rattner. Michener is far from the most creative artist himself, so that his message, or warning, about creativity is a plodding one. In fact, the writer whom Michener champions---Yoder---is a largely plodding writer himself, but that quality is precisely what the author sees as the most desirable in an artist. Yoder plods along, turning out books about the Pennsylvania German Dutch, books which even his editor admits are dull (but getting less dull). He refuses to write books which are more interesting, but he seems to be gathering unto himself something of a readership among those who like dull books about the Pennsylvania Dutch.
On the other hand, we have the creative pariah in Michener's world---Benno Rattner. He is a passionate, driven, fiery writer, with one defect---he can't finish what seems to be the only book
The destinies of these two men are part of the message set forth by Michener with regard to creativity. Young Benno never does complete his book, ends up hating himself and the world for his failure, and kills himself in despair. Yoder, on the other hand, plods along with his dull Dutch books, builds a readership, has his breakthrough novel, and becomes one of America's best-selling writers. He finishes his series of books on the Dutch, then is enlivened again by the murder of another young writer...