Meaning: The quote, "Novels tend to end as the Paternoster begins: with the kingdom of God on earth," by Karl Schlegel, suggests that novels often conclude with a sense of resolution or redemption akin to the beginning of the Lord's Prayer, also known as the Paternoster. This quote highlights the idea that many novels strive to achieve a sense of completeness and harmony, mirroring the desire for the establishment of a divine order on earth. Karl Schlegel, a German philosopher, literary critic, and writer, was known for his influential contributions to the Romantic movement in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

In order to understand the significance of this quote, it is important to delve into the meaning of the Paternoster and its relevance to the conclusion of novels. The Paternoster, commonly known as the Lord's Prayer, is a central prayer in Christianity that is attributed to Jesus Christ. It begins with the phrase "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." This opening line expresses the devout hope for the establishment of God's kingdom on earth and the fulfillment of His divine will. It sets the tone for seeking spiritual fulfillment and the realization of a harmonious and righteous existence.

When Schlegel compares the conclusion of novels to the beginning of the Paternoster, he is drawing a parallel between the resolution of fictional narratives and the invocation of divine presence and order. In many novels, the ending serves as a culmination of the characters' journeys, the resolution of conflicts, and the attainment of a sense of closure or realization. This resolution often mirrors the themes of redemption, renewal, and the restoration of order that are inherent in the concept of the kingdom of God on earth.

Schlegel's quote also sheds light on the aspirational nature of literature and its ability to reflect and engage with profound existential and spiritual themes. Through the narrative arcs and resolutions in novels, authors often grapple with the complexities of human experience, morality, and the search for meaning and transcendence. The comparison to the Paternoster underscores the profound and universal aspirations embedded in both literature and religious faith.

Moreover, the quote invites contemplation on the potential parallels between the resolutions in novels and the broader human yearning for a sense of fulfillment and transcendence. By likening the conclusion of novels to the beginning of the Paternoster, Schlegel prompts readers and scholars to consider the underlying spiritual and existential dimensions of literary works. This perspective encourages a deeper exploration of the ways in which literature engages with the fundamental questions of human existence and the pursuit of a more just and harmonious world.

In conclusion, Karl Schlegel's quote encapsulates the idea that novels often culminate with a sense of resolution and fulfillment akin to the invocation of the kingdom of God on earth in the Paternoster. This comparison underscores the profound thematic and existential aspirations inherent in literature, as well as its capacity to engage with the universal human yearning for spiritual and moral fulfillment. By drawing parallels between the conclusions of novels and the invocation of divine order, Schlegel's quote invites readers to contemplate the deeper spiritual and existential dimensions of literature and its enduring relevance to the human experience.