Describe the trial scene in “A Passage to India.”

Answer

Describe the trial scene in “A Passage to India.” [NU: 2016, 19, 21] ★★★

E. M. Forster’s (1879–1970) “A Passage to India” (1924) reaches its climax in the trial of Dr. Aziz. Adela Quested imagines that he attacked her in the Marabar Caves. The trial shows arrogance, prejudice, and truth. It changes every relationship.

English vs Indians in Court: The courtroom is crowded. All Anglo-Indians stand with Adela. Ronny Heaslop sits as Magistrate. Mr. Turton, Mrs. Turton, Major Callendar, and Mrs. Callendar also support her. Forster writes that they were,

“Sinking themselves in their community.”

They defend race, not truth. On the other side, Hamidullah and Mahmoud Ali defend Aziz. Indians wait with hope. Fielding also supports Aziz. The trial becomes a battle between rulers and ruled.

Adela’s Realization: Adela enters the witness box. She looks nervous. At first, she repeats her story. But the echo of the caves still troubles her. Suddenly, she realizes the truth. She admits Aziz never touched her. She says.

“Doctor Aziz never did it.”

The court is shocked. Mrs. Turton and Mrs. Callendar are angry. Ronny is humiliated. But Fielding praises Adela’s honesty. Aziz is free.

Results of the Trial: The trial frees Aziz, but trust is broken. Adela loses respect from both sides. Ronny breaks the engagement. Mahmoud Ali insults her. Aziz is angry, but later he thanks Fielding. Mrs. Moore, though absent, is remembered as his true friend. The trial exposes injustice. It shows how easily the Anglo-Indians turn against an Indian. It also shows that truth can still break pride.

The trial scene is the turning point of the novel. It shows racial arrogance, Adela’s honesty, and Aziz’s innocence. Ronny, Turton, Callendar, Mrs. Turton, Mrs. Callendar, Hamidullah, Mahmoud Ali, Fielding, and Mrs. Moore are all part of it. Forster uses the trial to show colonial injustice and human courage.