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E.M Forster’s “A Passage to India” explores the failings of an Anglo-Indian society divided by prejudice and cultural differences. The author criticises the unemotional and spiritually deficient British colonists, who are unable to fathom the complexities of an intricate Indian society. Due to the failure of the British to improve relations, Forster shows how the Indians develop a similar hatred and hence the differences between the two races are irreconcilable. Despite the inherent goodwill of characters such as Fielding, Aziz and Mrs Moore, Forster suggests that the “gulf” between “East and West” is not ready to be closed.

Aziz’s encounter with Fielding in passage one highlights the conflict between Britain and India. The conversation between the two is polite and formal, demonstrating the relationship has not developed into true friendship. Phrases such as “Just as you wish” and “will you please repeat” suggest an air of tension between the two characters, as they attempt to remain courteous and avoid insults, illustrating how difficult it is for an Indian to be “friends” with an Englishman. Furthermore, Forster utilises nautical imagery to depict the anger that Aziz feels in response to Fielding’s innocuous comment about “Post- impressionism”. Aziz is a person of extremes and contradictions, an embodiment of Forster’s notion of the “muddle” of India. He “grapple(s) underneath shifting tides of emotion”, and Forster likens his emotions to a “voyager” about to hit “the rocks”. This imagery has the effect of evoking a sense of instability and the breakdown of the rationale, ultimately portraying Aziz as “sensitive rather than responsive”. However, Forster also highlights that the Indian controls his anger claiming he is “as safe as the shore dweller”, implying a sense of stability. The omniscient narrator delves into the thoughts of Aziz, in order to highlight the tension between the English and the Indians and show how Fielding and Aziz overcome cultural barriers to achieve and inexplicable yet transitory spiritual connection. Yet despite the “goodwill” of the two characters, the overwhelming forces of their society prevent their relationship from developing.

Similarly, the British idea of order and rationality is incompatible in a disorganised India. The mysteries of an Indian society and landscape elude the Brits who seek to impose their own culture whilst being unable to comprehend India. This attitude exacerbates the dichotomy between the two races. Adela’s “tedious expedition” to the Marabar caves also demonstrates the inability of the British to comprehend the spiritually enlightened India. Adela’s thoughts about marriage are questioned by Forster, who portrays her as an unfortunate product of an arrogant British society. Her thoughts about “a view of Tibet” and “tiresome wedding bells” highlight her superficiality and furthermore she is a symbol of the Brits. Furthermore despite the “abundance of common sense and goodwill”, Forster suggests that of love in a marriage is pivotal, something Ronny and Adela clearly lack. The Indian landscape itself asks “what about love?” highlighting the vanity of Adela’s marriage and the contrasting views and values between India and Britain. Adela is enslaved by the conventions of her society, despite wanting to remain unique and individual. Forster calls for love and understanding in personal relationships, whilst criticising marriages bases on convenience and stability at the expense of true love. He suggests that the British people are unemotional and overly rational in their affairs

However Forster tentatively suggests that the two nations can unite eventually, as shown in passage 3 where Aziz and Fielding reconcile following the disaster of the Marabar caves. The narrator comments that “they went back laughingly to their old relationship as if nothing had happened”. The landscape itself seems to approve of their union as they ride between “jolly bushes and rocks”. Forster uses majestic imagery saying “the ground opened into full sunlight” and “they saw a grassy slope bright with butterflies”. The author use of alliteration further heightens the sense of harmony that the setting offers. The harmony of nature is also explored as the two men “give the cobra elbow room” in the same way that Mrs Moore appreciates the “wasp”. Forster remarks that although “the scene was as park like as England’ it “did not cease being queer” ultimately expressing his message about the “muddle” of India. Hence, Aziz and Fielding’s reconciliation is only partially successful as he two men must inevitably part, with Fielding becoming more “English” in his ideals, and Aziz’s resentment against Britain deepening. Forster suggests that although a union is possible, India is not ready, “not yet”.

The passages highlight the overwhelming predicament of a country divided by contrasting cultures. Forster underscores the importance of love and compassion, and criticises the prejudicial attitudes adopted by the majority of the British. He illustrates that Indian embodies many spiritual and religious ideas and concludes that the Brits are incapable of understanding such ideas.