A Passage to India (1924) is a novel by English author E.M. Forster.
Written during the rise of the Indian independence movement against the
British Raj, A Passage to India is considered one of the greatest
novels of twentieth century English literature. The novel has also been
an important work for postcolonial theorists and literary critics for
its inherent Orientalism and treatment of race, gender, and imperialism.
The novel begins with the arrival of a young British teacher named Adela
Quested and her friend Mrs. Moore in India. When Adela visits a mosque,
she is approached by Dr. Aziz, a young Muslim physician, who accosts her
before noticing her respect and understanding of local customs. At a
party arranged by a local tax collector, who has invited a group of
Indians out of curiosity, Fielding, a college principal, invites Dr.
Aziz to a tea party with Adela and Mrs. Moore. There, they make plans to
visit the Marabar caves, but are interrupted by Ronny Heaslop, who is to
be engaged to Adela. When the day of the journey arrives, only Adela and
Mrs. Moore are able to make the trip, and Dr. Aziz accompanies them
alone. At the caves, Adela is frightened by a strange echo and stumbles
before convincing herself that Dr. Aziz has assaulted her. The ensuing
trial divides the fictional city of Chandrapore along racial lines,
exposing the prejudices and tensions that dominate life during the
British Raj. A Passage to India explores themes of romance,
friendship, race, and custom while critiquing the British conquest of
India and illuminating the rise of the Indian independence movement.
With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript,
this edition of E.M. Forster's A Passage to India is a classic of
English literature reimagined for modern readers.
