Discuss Forster’s use of symbols in “A Passage to India.”

Answer

Discuss Forster’s use of symbols in “A Passage to India.” [NU: 2017]

E. M. Forster’s (1879–1970) “A Passage to India” (1924) is an iconic novel. The novel is full of symbols. Forster uses places, sounds, and events as signs of deeper truth. Symbols explain the clash of rulers and ruled. They also show fear, division, and hope. Through Aziz, Mrs. Moore, Adela, Fielding, and others, Forster makes symbols speak more than words.

Chandrapore – Symbol of Division: The city of Chandrapore itself is a symbol. The Indian town is dirty and poor. Forster says, 

“The inhabitants of mud moving”.

The civil station is clean and green. Dr. Aziz, Hamidullah, and Mahmoud Ali live in the bazaar. Ronny Heaslop, Mr. Turton, Mrs. Turton, Major Callendar, and Mrs. Callendar live on the hill. The two parts never mix. This physical division becomes a symbol of the Raj. It shows rulers and ruled in two worlds. Even when Mrs. Moore and Adela Quested want to see the “real India,” they face invisible walls. Chandrapore stands for the empire’s barrier.

The Mosque – Symbol of Faith and Harmony: The mosque appears early in the story. It becomes a symbol of faith and human harmony. Dr. Aziz sits there at night. He feels peace. He repeats poetry. He dreams of love and religion. Then Mrs. Moore enters. At first, Aziz is angry. He shouts, 

“Madam! this is a mosque.”

 But she replies, 

“I have taken them [my shoes] off”……… God is here.”

The mosque is a place where English and Indian meet with respect. It symbolizes the possibility of friendship. Fielding later also shows such respect. 

The Marabar Caves – Symbol of Chaos and Fear: The caves are the strongest symbol. They represent emptiness and chaos. Inside the cave, the echo destroys everything. Forster writes, 

“The echo in a Marabar cave…….. is entirely devoid of distinction… all produce ‘boum’.”

Adela Quested enters a cave. She feels lost.