The Gods must have been laughing as I read E.M. Forster's 'Passage to India' on the way back - from India to Michigan', on the flight. The book was considered enlightened in its time - it presents a case when a British lady wrongly accuses an Indian man of assault, and while a daring proposition in its time, the broad generalizations, stereotyping of race, religion and sex indicate that while the author may have broken down one barrier significant other remain.
What makes the book beautiful (in my eyes) is the incredible detail in characterization, analysis of people's motivations, their reactions, their understanding as coloured by their experiences. These things remain true regardless of how far in the future you go. The rose coloured shades that tint Aziz's meetings with Mrs. Moore, as though a couple of meetings made them close friends; the changing friendship between Fielding and Aziz; the miguided protection of Mahmoud Ali...
An event that particular caught me was when Adela asked Aziz about having multiple wives - what she thought was culturally sensitive, which he took as an insult - little events when the same thing has different meanings in different people's minds. Also, the jostling of servants, of doctors, the Anglo-Indians - each one trying to be a step above the rest - inequality not only in the broad sense, but each individual looking for ways to make themselves seem - or feel - a little superior.
Its a better book in the details, rather that the broad narrative that gives a glimpse into some of the ideas and emotions that could have led to the independence movement.
What makes the book beautiful (in my eyes) is the incredible detail in characterization, analysis of people's motivations, their reactions, their understanding as coloured by their experiences. These things remain true regardless of how far in the future you go. The rose coloured shades that tint Aziz's meetings with Mrs. Moore, as though a couple of meetings made them close friends; the changing friendship between Fielding and Aziz; the miguided protection of Mahmoud Ali...
An event that particular caught me was when Adela asked Aziz about having multiple wives - what she thought was culturally sensitive, which he took as an insult - little events when the same thing has different meanings in different people's minds. Also, the jostling of servants, of doctors, the Anglo-Indians - each one trying to be a step above the rest - inequality not only in the broad sense, but each individual looking for ways to make themselves seem - or feel - a little superior.
Its a better book in the details, rather that the broad narrative that gives a glimpse into some of the ideas and emotions that could have led to the independence movement.
