A Passage to India



A Passage to India

Introduction

"A Passage to India", a fictitious story, is the final published work of author E.M. Forster before his death. This book, explores the genius and the inadequacies of English society in a playful, yet subtle way. The author was born in London, England in 1897 to a middle class family. His education was completed at Cambridge University, from where he began to pursue a career in journalism. His writings led him from Italy to Greece, India and then to Egypt to work with the Red Cross during World War I.

Discussion The story in "A Passage to India" is a narration of two women's journey from England to India and a gentleman who sought their approval. Dr. Aziz is an educator at a local university and is completely taken by English society. In his own right he does have some reservations about the English being an occupying force in his country, but for the majority seems to hold them at a higher standard than he does the common Indian. Throughout the story Dr. Aziz attempts to impress and marvel the guests from England.

The story is based upon only a few main characters. As the story begins, we are introduced to the two women visitors; Mrs. Moore and Adela. Adela who is Mrs. Moore's daughter is viewed by many as the antagonist of the story. We are then introduced to Mr. Fielding, the Dean of the local university and later, friend to Dr. Aziz. Then finally meet Dr. Aziz who is a professor at the local university and the center of the story. Right from the beginning, the story stresses Adela's desire to discover "the real India." As the story goes on to explain, it wasn't customary for English and Indian societies to mix; thus, leaving the British's opinions and attitudes limited.

Dr. Aziz befriends Mrs. Moore and her daughter through various social meetings and engagements. He comes to believe that Mrs. Moore is a caring woman unlike those who have been corrupted by the other English, and thus wishes to assist her daughter in her quest to see "the real India." He proposes a trip to the Marabar Caves, located in a desolate and isolated part of India; considered one of the most wondrous places in the country. It is during this outing that the story takes a very controversial turn.

Dr. Aziz himself has never been to these caves, but plans a lavish meal & hires workers to go with them on their journey. One fact which truly astonished me was the willingness of his friends to participate in this spectacle, for absolutely no pay, simply for admiration of the British. This along with the many deeds performed to orchestrate this undertaking simply re-enforce the author's view of the cultural differences between the Indians and English. Throughout the story, the author illustrates examples of the English's believed superiority; from Indians not being allowed in the British club, to the class system set for ...