A Passage to India : Quotations
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.
Quotations
Quotes
“God is here.” – (Mosque Scene – Mrs. Moore, Part I- Chapter II)
Explanation: Mrs. Moore respects Indian faith inside the mosque. This line shows spiritual unity and mutual respect.
“The echo in a Marabar cave is entirely devoid of distinction… all produce ‘boum’.” – (Marabar Caves – Narrator, Part II- Chapter XIV)
Explanation: The echo makes every sound meaningless. It symbolizes confusion, emptiness, and failure of communication.
“Sinking themselves in their community.” – (Trial Scene – Narrator, Part II- Chapter XVII)
Explanation: The Anglo-Indians forget personal judgment. They unite only to protect race and power.
“No, not yet… No, not there.” – (Ending in Mau – Narrator/Nature, Part III- Chapter XXXVII)
Explanation: Nature itself refuses unity between Aziz and Fielding. It shows true friendship must wait until India is free.
“You’re superior to them, anyway. Don’t forget that.” – (Bridge Party – Mrs. Turton, Part I- Chapter V)
Explanation: This shows Anglo-Indian arrogance. Mrs. Turton reminds Adela to think of herself as superior to Indians.
“The educated Indians will be no good to us if there’s a row… they don’t matter.” – (Bridge Party – Ronny Heaslop, Part I- Chapter V)
Explanation: Ronny mocks Indians. He shows how the rulers saw educated Indians as useless in crisis.
“My heart is for my own people henceforward.” – (Aziz in Mau, Part III- Chapter XXXV)
Explanation: Aziz finally rejects British friendship. He chooses Indian nationalism over colonial loyalty.
“Adventures do occur, but not punctually.” – (Adela Quested, Part I- Chapter III)
Explanation: Adela wants to see the “real India.” She expects adventure, but real life is uncertain.
“Life never gives us what we want at the moment that we consider appropriate.” – (Narrator, Part I- Chapter III)
Explanation: This shows the gap between human desire and reality. Life is not controlled by human wishes.
“I believe in teaching people to be individuals, and to understand other individuals.” – (Cyril Fielding, Part I- Chapter XI)
Explanation: Fielding values freedom and individuality. He respects Indians as people, not as inferiors
“Man can learn everything if he will but try.” – (Narrator/Forster’s voice, Part I- Chapter VIII)
Explanation: This reflects Forster’s humanist belief. Effort and openness can overcome barriers of culture and race.