E M Forster


Today’s article focuses on E M Forster, a key figure and novelist of the Modern period. We will delve into his biography and explore some of his most renowned works. The discussion will include summaries of selected novels, followed by critical analyses.

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E M Forster

E M Forster's Biography

Short Biography

E M Forster, a distinguished English novelist, short story writer, essayist, and literary critic, was born on January 1, 1879, in London, England, and passed away on June 7, 1970, in Coventry. He is renowned for his novels exploring class distinctions, human relationships, and personal freedom.

Coming from a well-off middle-class family, Forster lost his father, an architect, in infancy and was raised by his mother and aunts. He attended the prestigious Tonbridge School before pursuing higher education at King’s College, Cambridge. At Cambridge, he formed significant friendships with other writers and intellectuals, some of whom were part of the Bloomsbury Group.

E M Forster’s literary career began with the publication of Where Angels Fear to Tread in 1905, followed by The Longest Journey in 1907. His third novel, A Room with a View (1908), brought him widespread acclaim. This work examines the rigid social norms of Edwardian society and their effects on personal relationships.

Some of His Works

One of E M Forster’s most celebrated novels is Howards End (1910), which explores the dynamics of social class and the tension between traditional values and modernity. In 1924, he released A Passage to India, a critically acclaimed novel addressing themes of colonialism, racism, and the challenges of forging meaningful cross-cultural relationships. The book drew inspiration from Forster’s experiences in India, where he worked as a private secretary to a Maharajah.

Although a prolific writer, E M Forster struggled with his identity, particularly his sexuality, at a time when homosexuality was taboo. He penned numerous essays alongside his novels, including Two Cheers for Democracy and What I Believe.

Later Years

In his later years, E M Forster became actively involved in human rights and political causes. As a member of the Fabian Society, he championed issues such as prison reform and the rights of conscientious objectors. His works remain highly regarded for their profound insights into social structures, human connections, and individual identity. Many of his books have been adapted into acclaimed films, plays, and TV series, cementing his status as one of the most influential English novelists of the 20th century.

A Passage to India by E M Forster

E M Forster's novel A Passage to India

E M Forster’s A Passage to India, published in 1924, explores themes of colonial power, the tension between spirituality and morality, and the inescapable nature of evil. Forster was inspired to write this novel after his travels to India in 1912 and his volunteer work in Egypt during World War I.

The story follows two Englishwomen, the young Adela Quested and the aged Mrs. Moore, who travel to India. Adela plans to marry Mrs. Moore’s son, Ronnie, a British magistrate in Chandrapore. Both women are eager to experience the “real” India, beyond the British-influenced cultural institutions. Meanwhile, Dr. Aziz, a young Muslim doctor, grows increasingly resentful of the poor treatment he endures from the English, particularly Major Callendar, the civil surgeon who frequently disrupts Aziz’s time with trivial demands.

One evening, Aziz meets Mrs. Moore at a local mosque. Surprised by her kindness and genuine interest, Aziz is moved by her willingness to treat him as an equal. Soon after, Mr. Turton, the British collector overseeing Chandrapore, hosts a gathering to introduce Adela and Mrs. Moore to prominent Indian figures. However, the event is uncomfortable and stilted. Adela meets Cyril Fielding, the principal of the local Government College, who appreciates her openness toward the Indian community. Fielding invites Adela, Mrs. Moore, and Professor Godbole, a Hindu academic, to tea, and Adela requests that Aziz also be included. The meeting is pleasant, and Aziz and Fielding quickly become friends. However, tensions arise when Ronnie Heaslop, Adela’s fiancé, interrupts rudely. That evening, Adela decides to break off her engagement with Ronnie, but a car accident shortly after changes her mind.

Aziz organized an excursion to the Malabar Caves for those who attended Fielding’s tea. Fielding and Professor Godbole miss the train, leaving Aziz to accompany Adela and Mrs. Moore. Inside the caves, Mrs. Moore becomes disturbed by the claustrophobic environment and the strange echo that distorts all sounds into a haunting “boum.” She remains outside while Aziz leads Adela further into the caves with a guide.

During their time in the caves, Adela has a sudden realization that she does not love Ronnie and asks Aziz an intrusive question about whether he has multiple wives. Offended, Aziz retreats momentarily, only to find Adela missing upon his return. After searching, Aziz discovers Adela’s broken field glasses and learns she has abruptly left for Chandrapore. Unbothered by her departure, Aziz happily reunites with Fielding, who has arrived late. However, back in the city, Aziz is shockingly arrested on accusations of attempting to assault Adela in the caves.

Fielding, convinced of Aziz’s innocence, supports him, alienating himself from the British community. Racial tensions between the English and Indians escalate in the lead-up to the trial. Mrs. Moore, disillusioned and preoccupied with the echo from the cave, becomes apathetic and returns to England. She dies en route, but not before concluding that India is not one singular entity but a complex mosaic of cultures.

At the trial, Adela recants her accusation, admitting she made a mistake and that Aziz was not her assailant. Aziz is acquitted, and Adela takes refuge at Fielding’s college. While Fielding comes to respect Adela for her courage in speaking the truth, Aziz grows resentful of Fielding’s continued association with her. Adela eventually leaves for England, and Ronnie breaks off their engagement.

Disillusioned with the English, Aziz decides to leave Chandrapore and relocates to the Hindu state of Mau, where he serves as the chief doctor to a local Rajah. Believing Fielding married Adela after returning to England, Aziz harbors resentment. However, a chance encounter with Fielding and his brother-in-law, Ralph Moore, Mrs. Moore’s son from her second marriage, clears up the misunderstanding. Fielding has married Stella Moore, Mrs. Moore’s daughter.

Aziz befriends Ralph and rekindles his friendship with Fielding. Despite this reconciliation, Aziz insists that true friendship between an Indian and an Englishman will only be possible after the British leave India. As the two men part ways, they acknowledge the barriers that still exist, with the landscape seemingly echoing, “No, not yet.”

A Room with a View by E M Forster

E M Forster's novel A Room with a View

Summary of A Room with a View by E M Forster

Lucy Honeychurch, a young British woman, is traveling to Florence with Charlotte Bartlett, her older cousin and chaperone. Their stay at the Pension Bertolini begins on a sour note because their promised rooms with views were not provided. During dinner, Mr. Emerson and his son, George, overhear their complaints and offer to switch rooms. Charlotte, finding the offer improper due to the Emersons’ lower social standing, initially refuses. However, after the intervention of Mr. Beebe, a British clergyman who assures her of Mr. Emerson’s good intentions, Charlotte reluctantly accepts.

The next day, Lucy explores Florence with Miss Lavish, a British novelist staying at the Pension. When Miss Lavish abandons her, Lucy encounters the Emersons at a church. George reveals his struggles with melancholy, and Mr. Emerson candidly explains that his son is burdened by deep sorrow. Lucy also learns that many guests at the Pension disapprove of the Emersons due to their unconventional behavior.

While wandering alone in Florence, Lucy witnesses a violent altercation between two Italian men, leaving one severely injured. Overwhelmed, she faints, and George helps her. Later, he throws her bloodstained photographs into the river, explaining cryptically that he now feels a renewed will to live. He asks Lucy to keep the incident private.

The group takes a trip to the hills outside Florence, where Lucy finds herself alone with George on a terrace surrounded by flowers. In a moment of spontaneity, George kisses her, but they are interrupted by Charlotte, who witnesses the scene. Embarrassed, Charlotte decides they must leave Florence immediately and go to Rome to stay with Lucy’s family friends, the Vyses.

Back in England, at her family home, Windy Corner, Lucy is engaged to Cecil Vyse, a snobbish and pretentious man who proposed to her three times. Despite her family’s excitement, Lucy struggles with her feelings. Cecil arranges for the Emersons to rent a nearby house, unknowingly bringing George back into Lucy’s life. During a tennis match at Windy Corner, George kisses Lucy again and confronts her about her true feelings, claiming she does not love Cecil. George’s words resonate, and Lucy eventually ends her engagement to Cecil, realizing she desires independence and authenticity in her life.

Lucy initially plans to leave for Greece with friends to escape the situation. However, a chance encounter with Mr. Emerson in a church leads to a pivotal conversation. He encourages Lucy to acknowledge her love for George and embrace her happiness. His words inspire her to follow her heart.

The story concludes with Lucy and George married and staying at the Pension Bertolini in Florence, occupying a room with a view. Though their union has caused tensions with Lucy’s family and friends, the couple finds joy in their love and reflects on the mysterious forces that brought them together.

The Longest Journey by E M Forster

E M Forster's novel The Longest Journey

The Longest Journey by E M Forster: A Summary

Overview
The Longest Journey, published in 1907, is a Bildungsroman by E M Forster, celebrated for his sharp critique of class differences and societal hypocrisy in early 20th-century Britain. While it is the least known of Forster’s novels, it was his personal favorite and the most autobiographical of his works.

Plot Summary

Rickie Elliot at Cambridge
Rickie Elliot, a young Cambridge student in the early 20th century, cherishes the university as an intellectual paradise. Despite his physical frailty and a deformed foot—a hereditary condition that isolated him during his childhood—Rickie finds solace among his peers, who are captivated by philosophy and the arts. Among them is the brilliant but cynical Stuart Ansell, whose skepticism contrasts Rickie’s poetic sensitivity.

During a vacation, Rickie is visited by Agnes Pembroke and her brother Herbert, his only friends from home. Agnes is engaged to Gerald, a robust soldier who had bullied Rickie during their school days. Rickie, deeply moved by the power of Agnes and Gerald’s bond, supports their union, even offering part of his inheritance to speed up their marriage. Tragically, Gerald dies in a football match, leaving Agnes grief-stricken. Rickie consoles her, and over time, their relationship evolves into an engagement, despite Rickie’s struggles to publish his literary work.

Aunt Emily and Stephen
Rickie and Agnes visit Rickie’s wealthy Aunt Emily, who lives with her ward, Stephen, a boisterous and unrefined nineteen-year-old. Aunt Emily reveals a shocking secret: Stephen is Rickie’s half-brother, the illegitimate son of Rickie’s estranged father. While Rickie is disturbed, Agnes considers Stephen a disgrace and insists on keeping his existence hidden.

Agnes and Rickie soon marry, joining Herbert at Seton School, where Rickie becomes a classics teacher. Under Agnes and Herbert’s influence, Rickie’s artistic ambitions and individuality are stifled. He grows disillusioned, becoming a strict enforcer of school rules, disconnected from his former ideals.

Stephen’s Return
Stephen, expelled from Aunt Emily’s house due to Agnes’s scheming for Emily’s inheritance, learns about his true parentage and seeks a reunion with Rickie. Meanwhile, Ansell reconnects with Rickie and meets Stephen. Struck by Stephen’s vitality and honesty, Ansell attempts to reconcile the estranged brothers. However, Agnes and Herbert misinterpret Stephen’s intentions as blackmail and offer him money, which Stephen rejects indignantly.

Ansell reveals a vital truth to Rickie: Stephen is not illegitimate, as he is actually the son of Rickie’s beloved mother. This revelation awakens Rickie to the hypocrisy he has adopted under Agnes’s influence. Rickie reconciles with his better nature and chooses to embrace his bond with Stephen, though his efforts to guide his impulsive half-brother prove challenging.

Tragic Conclusion
Rickie and Stephen embark on a brief journey together, rekindling Rickie’s joy and sense of self. However, tragedy strikes when Rickie sacrifices himself to save a drunken Stephen from an oncoming train, resulting in Rickie’s death. Stephen survives and eventually marries, gaining financial stability with the posthumous success of Rickie’s published stories.

Themes and Significance
The Longest Journey explores themes of self-discovery, integrity, familial bonds, and the struggle against societal conventions. Rickie’s life, though cut short, symbolizes the fulfillment of a moral and artistic journey. His legacy as an author and his final rejection of hypocrisy affirm his unique worth and ultimate vindication.

About E. M. Forster
E. M. Forster (1879–1970) was a British novelist celebrated for his critiques of class and social norms. A member of the Bloomsbury Group, he authored several acclaimed novels, including A Passage to India and Howards End. Known for his exploration of human connection and authenticity, Forster’s works remain influential in English literature.

Where Angels Fear to Tread by E M Forster

Novel Where Angels Fear to Tread

Summary and Analysis of Where Angels Fear to Tread by E M Forster

Overview
E M Forster’s Where Angels Fear to Tread explores cultural clashes, societal expectations, and the consequences of impulsive decisions. Set between England and Italy, the novel portrays the tragic consequences of Lilia Herriton’s rebellion against her stifling English environment and her reckless pursuit of freedom.

Plot Summary

Lilia’s Journey to Italy
Lilia Herriton, a young widow living under the strict control of her late husband’s family in Sawston, England, embarks on an extended trip to Italy. Her journey is encouraged by the Herriton family, who hope it will distance her from an unsuitable suitor and give them an opportunity to influence her young daughter, Irma. The trip is also supported by Philip Herriton, who suggests Lilia travel with Caroline Abbott, a sensible young woman in need of a companion.

Initially, the trip appears successful. Under Caroline’s guidance, Lilia gains some cultural refinement, and back in England, Irma flourishes under Mrs. Herriton’s care. However, in the spring, Mrs. Herriton receives alarming news: Lilia has become engaged to an Italian man she met during her travels.

The Marriage and Its Aftermath
Lilia’s mother informs Mrs. Herriton of the engagement, prompting her to contact Caroline for details. Caroline initially dismisses the matter, but Mrs. Herriton, sensing the gravity of the situation, dispatches Philip to Italy to intervene. Upon arriving in the village of Monteriano, Philip learns from Caroline that Lilia’s fiancé, Gino Carella, is far from the nobleman Lilia claimed. Gino, a dentist’s son and significantly younger than Lilia, lacks wealth or social standing.

Philip is horrified when he meets Gino, finding his demeanor and manners crude despite his attractive appearance. However, by the time Philip arrives, the couple has already married, leaving him powerless to stop the union. Philip returns to England with Caroline, while the Herritons sever all ties with Lilia, deciding to raise Irma themselves to preserve the family’s reputation.

Lilia’s Unhappiness
Lilia quickly realizes that her marriage to Gino is a mistake. She discovers that Gino married her primarily for her wealth and that her expectations of married life, shaped by English customs, are entirely incompatible with her new role as an Italian wife. Isolated from her English roots and disillusioned by her husband’s indifference, Lilia becomes deeply unhappy. Trapped by her decisions and cultural misunderstandings, she finds herself with no escape from her plight.

Themes and Analysis

  • Cultural Clashes: The novel contrasts the rigid, conservative values of English society with the passionate yet unpredictable nature of Italian culture. Lilia’s failure to understand these differences leads to her downfall.
  • Impulsiveness and Consequences: Lilia’s impulsive decision to marry Gino reflects her desperate bid for freedom, but it results in tragedy for herself and others.
  • Control and Conformity: The Herritons’ obsession with maintaining social respectability highlights the oppressive nature of English middle-class values, which stifle individuality and prioritize appearances.
  • Gender Expectations: The novel critiques the limited roles available to women in both English and Italian societies, showcasing Lilia’s plight as both a victim of societal constraints and her naivety.

Conclusion
Where Angels Fear to Tread serves as a poignant critique of cultural and personal misunderstandings, illustrating the devastating consequences of impulsivity and rigid social norms. Lilia’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of rebelling against societal constraints without understanding the complexities of what lies beyond.

Tolerance

Essay Tolerance

This essay was written shortly after the conclusion of World War II in 1945, a time when the world was grappling with immense destruction and widespread suffering. Amid discussions about rebuilding and recovery, Forster emphasized that nothing lasting could be achieved without first cultivating a stable and sound state of mind. In his view, diplomatic efforts, economic plans, and trade negotiations would falter without this essential foundation.

E M Forster challenges the popular notion that love is the driving force needed to rebuild civilization. While he acknowledges that love plays a significant role in private life, he argues that it is ineffective in the realm of public affairs. Love, he explains, is inherently personal—it can only exist where there is direct knowledge of and connection to another person. Since it is impossible to personally know or deeply connect with vast groups such as nations, organizations, or markets, expecting these entities to “love” one another is unrealistic.

Instead, E M Forster advocates for tolerance as the key to rebuilding society. He defines tolerance as the ability to endure others and coexist peacefully. In the aftermath of war, he suggests that while love may be impractical, tolerance is attainable. Though it may lack the excitement and emotional depth of love, tolerance provides the steady, pragmatic mindset necessary for progress in a fractured world.

E M Forster contrasts two approaches to dealing with differences in people and nations: the Nazi way and the democratic way. The Nazis eliminated those they disliked, a path rooted in violence and hatred. Democracy, on the other hand, allows for coexistence despite differences. Even if one does not like certain individuals or groups, one can still tolerate them. Forster firmly supports the democratic approach, recognizing it as a more humane and sustainable alternative.

Although E M Forster concedes that tolerance is not as noble or inspiring as love, he considers it the only practical solution in a world that is overcrowded and fraught with conflict. Love, he argues, often fades when one moves beyond familiar circles of family and friends. Tolerance, however, can persist even in the absence of personal affection, making it an essential tool for fostering harmony in a diverse and complex global community.

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That’s all for today’s article. We hope you found our discussion on E M Forster’s beautiful novels insightful. If you enjoyed the article, please stay with BD JOBZ PREPARATION and share it with your friends. We’ll be back soon with another literary work. Stay tuned to BD JOBZ PREPARATION, and don’t forget to connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Thank you for reading!


S.M. Rokibul Kabir
S.M. Rokibul Kabir

S.M. Rokibul Kabir is the author of BD JOBZ PREPARATION. He is from Rajshahi, Bangladesh. He has completed Honors and Masters degrees from Rajshahi University in English. Now he is doing LLB from National University. He has been teaching English online for more than three years. His hobby is blogging.

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