“A Passage to India” is a Novel of the Clash of Cultures.
A Passage to India is a notable literary work by E. M. Forster. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of A Passage to India.
Answer
Comment on the theme of conflict of cultures in “A Passage to India.” [NU: 2019] ★★★
Or, “A Passage to India is basically about the clash of two cultures.” Do you agree? Give reasons in favour of your answer. [NU: 2022]
Or, “A Passage to India” is a novel of the clash of cultures. Discuss. [NU: 2015]
E. M. Forster’s (1879-1970) “A Passage to India” (1924) is a great novel of the Raj. It shows deep cultural clashes. One clash is between the Indians and the British. The other is inside India itself, between Hindus and Muslims. Through Aziz, Mrs. Moore, Adela, Fielding, Ronny, Turton, Callendar, Hamidullah, Mahmoud Ali, and Godbole, Forster shows division, prejudice, and failed friendship.
Division in Chandrapore (Indian vs British): Chandrapore is divided. The Indian town is poor. Forster writes,
“The inhabitants of mud moving.”
The civil station is neat. Aziz, Hamidullah, and Mahmoud Ali live in the bazaar. Ronny Heaslop, Mr. Turton, Mrs. Turton, Major Callendar, and Mrs. Callendar live on the hill. They do not mix. Mrs. Moore and Adela Quested wish to see the “real India.” But invisible walls exist. This division is the first sign of cultural conflict.
The Bridge Party and the Trial (Indian vs British): Mr. Turton is the Collector of Chandrapore. He arranges a Bridge Party. He says it will join East and West. Aziz, Hamidullah, Mahmoud Ali, and Nawab Bahadur attend. Mrs. Turton and Mrs. Callendar are asked to welcome purdah women. But the party fails. Indians stand on one side. English stands the other. Mrs. Moore and Adela Quested sincerely try to talk. Adela’s wish to see the real India. But the City Magistrate, Ronny Heaslop, mocks. He says,
“The educated Indians will be no good to us if there’s a row… they don’t matter”.
This shows arrogance. The clash grows in the trial. Adela falsely accuses Aziz. The English community unites against him. Ronny, Turton, Mrs. Turton, Callendar, and Mrs. Callendar demand punishment. Only Fielding supports him. Indians like HamidullahUnlock this study guide now