Notes on the English Character
Danielle Le
Mrs. Jacobs
Honors British Literature
20 September 2012
Notes on the English Character Born in London, England, on January 1, 1879, English novelist Edward Morgan Forster’s father died before Forster reached two years old. As a result, his mother and aunts influenced his entire life. Educated at the Tonbridge School, Forster experienced cruelty from his classmates, which served as an influence for his later criticism of the English public school system. While attending King’s College, the experience expanded his intellectual interests, exposing him to the Mediterranean culture-so different from the strict English culture. After graduating, Forster traveled to Italy and Greece with his mother, actually experiencing the different cultures. Upon returning, he began writing essays and short stories for Independent Review, launching his writing career. His first novel, Where Angels Fear to Tread, published in 1905, contained the theme of keeping in touch with the land to develop one’s imagination. Howards End, printed in 1910, was his first major success though, combining the themes of money, business, and culture. Following the success, Forster had an established reputation. He travelled to India between 1912 and 1913, influencing his novel A Passage to India, published in 1924. That novel was his last novel, and for the remainder of his life he moved on to other activities; he did continue writing short stories and essays though, never truly abandoning his writing career, until his death after multiple strokes in June of 1970.
Works Cited
“Biography of E.M. Forster (1879-1970).” GradeSaver. Web. 19 September 2012.
Liukkonen, Petri. “E(dward) M(organ) Forster (1879-1970).” Author’s Calendar, 2008. Web. 19 September
Mrs. Jacobs
Honors British Literature
20 September 2012
Notes on the English Character Born in London, England, on January 1, 1879, English novelist Edward Morgan Forster’s father died before Forster reached two years old. As a result, his mother and aunts influenced his entire life. Educated at the Tonbridge School, Forster experienced cruelty from his classmates, which served as an influence for his later criticism of the English public school system. While attending King’s College, the experience expanded his intellectual interests, exposing him to the Mediterranean culture-so different from the strict English culture. After graduating, Forster traveled to Italy and Greece with his mother, actually experiencing the different cultures. Upon returning, he began writing essays and short stories for Independent Review, launching his writing career. His first novel, Where Angels Fear to Tread, published in 1905, contained the theme of keeping in touch with the land to develop one’s imagination. Howards End, printed in 1910, was his first major success though, combining the themes of money, business, and culture. Following the success, Forster had an established reputation. He travelled to India between 1912 and 1913, influencing his novel A Passage to India, published in 1924. That novel was his last novel, and for the remainder of his life he moved on to other activities; he did continue writing short stories and essays though, never truly abandoning his writing career, until his death after multiple strokes in June of 1970.
Works Cited
“Biography of E.M. Forster (1879-1970).” GradeSaver. Web. 19 September 2012.
Liukkonen, Petri. “E(dward) M(organ) Forster (1879-1970).” Author’s Calendar, 2008. Web. 19 September
Cited: “Biography of E.M. Forster (1879-1970).” GradeSaver. Web. 19 September 2012. Liukkonen, Petri. “E(dward) M(organ) Forster (1879-1970).” Author’s Calendar, 2008. Web. 19 September 2012