How is the theme of separation represented in “A Passage to India?”
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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How is the theme of separation represented in “A Passage to India?” [NU: 2018, 21] ★★★
E. M. Forster’s (1879-1970) “A Passage to India” (1924) is a novel of division. It shows how people try to unite but fail. Separation is everywhere: in society, in religion, in politics, and in friendship. Through Aziz, Mrs. Moore, Adela Quested, Fielding, Ronny Heaslop, Mr. Turton, Mrs. Turton, Callendar, Hamidullah, Mahmoud Ali, and Godbole, Forster presents separation as the central theme.
Separation of Rulers and Ruled: Chandrapore shows separation clearly. The Indian town is poor. Forster writes,
“The inhabitants of mud moving.”
The civil station is neat and clean. Aziz, Hamidullah, and Mahmoud Ali live in the bazaar. Ronny, Turton, Mrs. Turton, Callendar, and Mrs. Callendar live on the hill. Forster writes about the civil station that,
“Shares nothing with the city except the overarching sky.”
They do not mix. Mrs. Moore and Adela want to see the “real India,” but walls exist. This physical separation reflects political and cultural separation under the Raj.
Separation at the Bridge Party and the Trial: Mr. Turton (Collector) arranges a Bridge Party. He says it will join East and West. But it fails. Indians stand on one side. English stands on the other. Adela mixes politely with Indian ladies at the Bridge Party. Mrs. Turton tells Adela,
“You’re superior to them, anyway. Don’t forget that.”
Ronny Heaslop (City Magistrate) mocks Indians. He says,
“The educated Indians will be no good to us if there’s a row… they don’t matter.”
Later, Aziz is accused. Adela imagines an assault in the caves. At the trial, the English side is with her. Ronny, Turton, Callendar, Mrs. Turton, and Mrs. Callendar stand against Aziz. Only Fielding supports him. Indians like Hamidullah and Mahmoud Ali defend him. The courtroom becomes a battlefield. The trial widens the separation between rulers and ruled.
Separation in the Marabar Caves: The Marabar Caves symbolize the separationUnlock this study guide now