The Clash of the Cultures

The Clash of the Cultures A passage to India is a novel that raises many controversial subjects. For example in chapter one; it starts with a comparison between the English inhabited Chandrapore, and the Indian part. The writer gives us a very detailed description of each, in order to, objectively speaking; supply us with the colonial view of the English. It is as though E.M Forester is explaining to the reader the main excuse behind colonialism, which is enhancing and civilizing the country. Forester paints two different pictures for us, one that is very distorted, dirty and filled with the image of poverty and misery, belonging to the Indians, while the other is a neat, enhanced and civilized picture belonging to the English, who apparently worked, through colonialism, on achieving this change. This comparison continues throughout the novel and stirs most subjects and main issues. The various religions and sects in the story represent a debatable subject. Due to this variety, India is represented as a chaotic place to the English, as country in need of management and control, which they believe they could provide. It is presented in an incident, involving the Muslims and the Hindus quarrelling over a matter, Ronny is contended and is asserted that their existence in India is the right thing, because they are bringing peace to the land and its people by stopping quarrels and bloodshed. In the final chapters of part one; when Aziz falls ill and his group come to visit him, many remarks are uttered in relation to the subject of religion. The abrupt statement of Mr.Fielding declaring that he does not believe in God strikes the Indians, and contributes in a series of questions regarding Atheism in England leading to the inquiries behind England ruling their country. The English snobbishness is awfully present in the novel. The element of superiority is vivid in most English characters, especially strengthened during part one in the characters of