Forster explores the futility of bridging cultural gaps in his novel A Passage to India through a series of recurring misunderstandings between different cultures, resulting in the formation of ingrained social stereotypes. Language usage plays a significant role in these miscommunications, both between the English and Indians, as well as amongst individuals within the same culture. This is evident in how people may use the same words but interpret them differently. Forster also portrays this theme through the encounters and friendships Aziz forms with British characters, which are characterized by invitations, the passing of time, and genuine mistakes. When Aziz first meets the British characters in the story who will eventually become his close yet controversial friends, there are two notable instances of miscommunication. One occurs when Aziz encounters
...Mrs. Moore at the Mosque and immediately forms misconceptions about her based on her British identity. He assumes that she is similar to all other British women and confronts her, questioning her presence in the holy place for Muslims without removing her shoes. However, when Mrs. Moore clarifies that she did remove her shoes at the entrance, Aziz apologizes for his hasty judgment and acknowledges his mistake, affirming that if one removes their shoes, they are indeed allowed to enter.Although very few ladies bother to do so, especially when they think no one is watching, Aziz discovers that Mrs. Moore is similar to him in many ways, or in his own words, "Oriental". However, when he learns that she came to Chandrapore to visit her son, who happens to be the City Magistrate, Aziz once again disconnects from her. He quickly corrects her misconception and informs
her that the City Magistrate is actually Mr. Heaslop, whom he knows well. Nonetheless, Mrs. Moore insists that he is her son and smiles. Aziz fails to realize that Mrs. Moore's son could also be part of the Indian race, initially finding it difficult to comprehend.
Mr. Fielding is another British character whom Aziz develops a connection with.
When Aziz arrives at Fielding's home for their first meeting, he experiences a similar communication issue as he does with Mrs. Moore, but in a contrasting way: He raises his voice and shouts from the bedroom, "Please make yourself at home." This remark is spontaneous, like most of Aziz's actions; it is what he feels inclined to say. However, Aziz interprets the remark differently from Fielding. To Aziz, it conveys a warm invitation, while for Fielding, it is just a routine comment. People often say one thing but mean another, usually to be polite.
Invitations play a crucial role in the novel and contribute to the cultural misunderstanding between the Indians and the British. In Indian society, invitations are made as a polite gesture, but the British interpret them literally. This sometimes offends the British individuals involved, while the Indians consider it a normal part of their society. The contrast is first evident at the Bridge Party when Adela and Mrs. Moore attend.
Moore is introduced to Mrs. Bhattacharya. When they said goodbye, Mrs.
Moore asked Mrs. Bhattacharya if they could visit her at some point, expressing admiration for her face. Mrs. Bhattacharya responded graciously, saying any day would be convenient. Moore suggested Thursday and inquired about the preferred time, to which Mrs. Bhattacharya replied that any hour would work. She then
asked Moore to specify their preference.
Bhattacharya appeared unaware as well, as her gesture implied knowledge of the English ladies' visit in advance, leading her to always remain indoors. She found everything pleasing and nothing surprising. She mentioned, "We leave for Calcutta today." Adela, at first not catching the implication, exclaimed, "Oh, but if you do, we shall find you gone." Mrs. Bhattacharya did not argue. (44) Unlike Adela, Mrs. Bhattacharya does not view the invitation in the same manner. Similarly, Aziz misunderstands while inviting the two women to the Marabar caves. He was horrified to think of his bungalow. "Good heavens, the stupid girl had taken him at his word! What was he to do? Yes, all that is settled," he exclaimed. "I invited you all to see me in the Marabar Caves." (79) The misunderstanding of time is evident not only between the two cultures but also within Indian society. This reflects the differences among various Indian races. The novel begins with an example of misunderstanding time when Dr. Lal summons Aziz. Another instance occurs at the Bridge Party where Indian and British guests have differing perspectives on time, as demonstrated by their arrival times.The Bridge Party was not successful, as it did not meet Mrs. Moore and Miss Quested's expectations of a successful party. They arrived early, but most of the Indian guests had already arrived and were standing together on the other side of the tennis lawns, not doing anything. There are instances in the story where the British and Indian cultures communicate on the same level. One example is when Aziz has dinner at Mahmoud Ali's house. The servants are asked
if the dinner is ready, and though they say it is, it actually isn't. However, Aziz and his friends understand the true meaning behind the servants' words. They interpret that the servants actually meant that they wished it was ready, and this understanding is mutual (8).
Ronny Heaslop, having lived in India and having some understanding of Indian culture, understands the true meaning of the invitation. B. Other Fielding, who has also lived among the Indian culture for a while, has the same level of understanding as Heaslop regarding the invitation. Another invitation is given to both of them. True mistakes and gossip are involved in some misunderstandings in the book. These mistakes sometimes include gossip. This occurs initially when Aziz offers his collar stud to Fielding in a very friendly manner. Heaslop later misunderstands Aziz's missing stud as a mistake and interprets it as a general example of Indian culture: "...there you have the Indian all over: inattention to detail; the fundamental slackness that reveals the race" (82). Later on, we witness Aziz's biggest mistake, which becomes a turning point in his relationship with Fielding. Jump in, Mr.
Quested, and Mr. Fielding. Who is Mr. Quested? Do I
pronounce that well-known name incorrectly? Is he not your wife's brother? Who do you suppose I've married on
earth? I'm only Ralph Moore, said the
boy, blushing, and at that moment another pailful of rain fell,
creating a mist around their feet. Aziz attempted to leave, but it was too late.
Fielding expressed astonishment at the mistake made (338). The novel concludes with a recurring theme that reveals how the cultures involved have not progressed in their understanding of each other since the
beginning. If the British were to genuinely make an effort to comprehend the Indian culture, the barriers between them might weaken, making it more challenging for the British to maintain their dominant position. A Passage to India by E.M. Forster explores the theme of cultural misunderstanding. Variations in cultural norms and expectations regarding hospitality, social etiquette, and religious practices result in misunderstandings between the English and Muslim Indians, English and Hindu Indians, and also between Muslims and Hindus. This is why Aziz and the other Indians hold Mrs. Moore in high regard. Being a recent visitor who has not yet become desensitized by the six-month requirement that English ladies supposedly need to fully acclimate, she treats Indians as individuals. While she does not advocate for British withdrawal, she fails to understand why they cannot be more benevolent towards native residents.
Perhaps the experience Mrs. Moore has at the Caves could provide a clue to answering this question.
English Essays
