How is racism shown in A Passage to India?

In E.M. Forster’s novel, “A Passage to India,” racism is a prominent theme that permeates the narrative and explores the complex dynamics between the English colonizers and the native Indians during the colonial era. Through various characters, incidents, and settings, Forster skillfully depicts the destructive and dehumanizing effects of racism in a nuanced and thought-provoking manner.

One of the primary ways racism is portrayed in the novel is through the stark contrast in the treatment of the English and the Indians. The English colonizers, who view themselves as superior, often exhibit a patronizing and condescending attitude towards the native population. They consider themselves the civilizing force, imposing their values, customs, and legal systems on the Indians while treating them as inferior and subordinate.

The racial divide is underscored in the setting of the British Club, which serves as a microcosm of colonial society. The Club becomes a symbol of exclusivity and racial segregation, with strict rules that prohibit Indians from becoming members. This reinforces the idea of English superiority and contributes to the sense of alienation and discrimination experienced by the Indians.

The character of Dr. Aziz, an Indian physician, serves as a focal point for exploring the effects of racism. Dr. Aziz encounters racial prejudice and discrimination at every turn, even when attempting to forge friendships with English individuals. He is treated with suspicion and contempt, constantly reminded of his “otherness” and denied the respect and dignity he deserves as a human being.

The incident at the Marabar Caves becomes a pivotal moment that exposes the deep-rooted racism in the novel. During a visit to the caves, Adela Quested, a young Englishwoman, accuses Aziz of sexually assaulting her. This false accusation triggers a chain of events that further deepens the racial tensions and divisions between the English and the Indians. It highlights the power dynamics at play, with the English automatically believed over the Indian, reinforcing the inherent bias and prejudice against the native population.

The subsequent trial becomes a showcase of racial bias and injustice. The English legal system, which is supposed to uphold justice and fairness, is shown to be biased in favor of the English defendants. The trial serves as a stark reminder of the inequality and lack of agency experienced by the Indians under colonial rule. It exposes the systemic racism ingrained in the very fabric of society and the skewed nature of justice when it comes to racial matters.

Forster also delves into the internalized racism experienced by some of the Indian characters. They have internalized the idea of their inferiority and have a desire to assimilate into the English culture and gain acceptance from the colonizers. Characters like Cyril Fielding and Mr. Hamidullah, however, challenge these notions and attempt to bridge the racial divide, highlighting the potential for friendship and understanding beyond racial boundaries.

Through the character of Mrs. Moore, Forster explores the idea of empathy and the potential for transcending racial prejudice. Mrs. Moore experiences a personal awakening during her visit to the Marabar Caves and realizes the destructive nature of racism. She rejects the notions of superiority and recognizes the humanity and complexity of the Indian people. Her journey serves as a catalyst for questioning and challenging the deeply ingrained racist attitudes prevalent in colonial society.

In conclusion, racism is a pervasive and central theme in “A Passage to India.” E.M. Forster masterfully portrays the destructive effects of racism through the contrasting treatment of the English and the Indians, the settings and incidents that highlight racial divisions, and the portrayal of characters who challenge or internalize racial prejudice. The novel serves as a critique of the racial hierarchies and injustices of the colonial era, urging readers to question their own biases and consider the devastating consequences of racism on both individuals and societies