A Passage to India

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Discuss E.M Forster’s treatment of problems with love and friendship in the novel A Passage to India 10 September 2012 The difficulties of obtaining love and friendship in the novel A Passage to India is a central theme, highlighted by the fact that the author, E.M Forster, begins and ends the novel with discussions pertaining to that exact question. The first time the reader is introduced to any characters or dialogue in the novel is in chapter two. Aziz, Hamidullah and Mahmoud Ali are “discussing as to whether or not it is possible [for an Indian] to be friends with an Englishmen.” (Forster, 2005[1924]:8) This rather immediately indicates to the reader that this is the pivotal question of the novel. Ahmad M.S. Abu Baker (2006: 68-69) says that the novel “depicts colonisation as frustrating any chance of friendship between the English and the Indians under the coloniser/colonised status quo.” The relationship is addressed quickly in the novel, still in chapter two, where Aziz is summoned by his superior, Major Callendar. Callendar’s call interrupts Aziz’s dinner, which shows the lack of regard Callendar has for the native, and when Aziz arrives to receive his superior, Callendar is nowhere to be found and has left no message. This interaction (or lack thereof) portrays the typical relationship between an Englishman and an Indian; complete disregard from the white man. This disregard is further emphasised, when Aziz politely allows Mrs Lesley and Mrs Callendar to use his tonga. Aziz courteously tells them “You are most welcome, ladies,” and Forster (2005[1924]:14-15) simply describes their response as “the inevitable snub- his bow ignored, his carriage taken.” This interaction was the norm in colonised India, even though Aziz is not seeking friendships with Mr and Mrs Callendar or Mrs Lesley; he is subjected to a stereotypical relationship between the
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