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Justify the title of the novel “A Passage to India.”

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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.

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Justify the title of the novel “A Passage to India.” [NU: 2015, 18, 20, 22] ★★★

E. M. Forster’s (1879-1970) “A Passage to India” (1924) is a novel of colonial India. The title comes from Walt Whitman’s poem “Passage to India.” Forster uses it in a symbolic way. The novel is about a journey to India, but also about a journey to truth and understanding. Through Aziz, Mrs. Moore, Adela, Fielding, Ronny, and Godbole, the title gains meaning.

Passage to the Land – India Itself: The title first means the physical journey to India. Adela Quested and Mrs. Moore travel from England to Chandrapore. They want to see the “real India.” Forster writes about the civil station that, 

“Shares nothing with the city except the overarching sky.”

Aziz, Hamidullah, and Mahmoud Ali live in the bazaar. Ronny, Turton, Mrs. Turton, Callendar, and Mrs. Callendar live on the hill. The passage to India becomes a passage into separation. The land itself shows conflict.

Passage to Friendship and Humanity: The title also means the passage to friendship. Dr. Aziz meets Mrs. Moore in the mosque. He shouts, 

“Madam! this is a mosque.” 

She replies, 

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

Aziz is moved. A bond begins. Adela also tries to get to know the Indians. Fielding becomes Aziz’s close friend. He says to Adela, 

“Try seeing Indians.”

These attempts show a journey toward human understanding. But the Raj makes friendship difficult. The passage is blocked by pride and prejudice.

Passage to Misunderstanding – The Marabar Caves: The Marabar Caves give the title a deeper meaning. The caves stand for confusion and chaos. Inside, the echo destroys all sound. Forster writes, 

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

Adela feels fear. She imagines Aziz attacked her. Mrs. Moore also feels broken. The passage to the caves

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