The Passage to India

The title of the book itself suggests that the book revolves around India. It becomes interesting due to the fact that it is written by an Englishman, at a time when they ruled the country.

              The social fabric that we as natives refuse to accept, is clearly depicted in the book. Along with it are the hints as to what its possible solution is. When a third person looks at a problem, the solution comes out to be easier. And here, the solution is in the form of ‘the white man’s burden’ to civilize Indian folk.

              “Away from us, Indians go to seed at once. Look at the King Emperor High School [ which turned to a granary due to non- involvement of the British ]. Look at you, forgetting your medicine and going back to your charms” says one of the characters, Fielding to Aziz (the protagonist). At this point, one thinks if it is actually because of imperialism that India developed or could we have flourished in our rich tradition too, away from the modern world?

              It is not just about civilizing the country, but Forster has depicted various other aspects too. In first part, whereas there is a mention of ‘Muharram’, in the last part, he talks of ‘Gokul Ashtmi’; thus highlighting the diversity of the country. If not for beliefs, color and boundaries, there isn’t anything that separates two human beings, which is what he portrayed through various friendships between the characters of different religions.

              At times, the dialogue delivery amongst these characters is confusing. Some calculation has to be done to identify the speaker. Apart from the main plot, a lot is talked about the surroundings, and that makes one forget the point that is being made. Although the language it is described in is praiseworthy. The mere rising of sun, which is not in its usual shade, is accounted as “Why, when the chamber was prepared, did the bridegroom not enter with trumpets, as humanity expects?”

              Not considering this excess of description, the book helps in acknowledging the perspectives of the communities that existed during that period. What individuals thought, why they acted the way they did and the fact, that exceptions are always there.

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Some of the quotes that I liked in the book:

• ·      “I don’t think I understand people very well. I only know whether I like or dislike them”
• ·   “There will have to be something universal in this country- I don’t say religion for I am not religious, but something, or how else are barriers to be broken down?”
• ·      “Every life ought to contain both a turn and a return."