Progress Book #26 of 100
I loved the movie A Room With A View also by E.M. Forster and was looking forward to reading this book. So many of the novels and Masterpiece movies talk about British Imperialism in India. A Little Princess starts in India, in Vanity Fair- Ameila's brother works in India and I'm sure there are hundreds of other stories that in some way or another mention British Imperialism. This novel takes place completely in India and addresses the prejudices of the the two cultures clashing. Forster doesn't hold back in addressing the issues that must have happened.
The story centers around an Indian Dr. Aziz and his attempt to befriend a few British people. Forster has a character for each level of prejudice the English have towards the Indians. Ralph Moore is an officer that looks down on the Indians, he is happy to work and spend his free time in the English country club. Mrs. Moore is his older mother that accompanies Ralph's fiancee to India and is very tolerant and understanding towards the Indian culture. When she meets Dr. Aziz they have a good discussion and she wants to take in all the sights and traditions in that she can. Adela is Ralph's intended, she is young and impressionable. She is the middle ground. Dr. Aziz doesn't think too highly of the English at first, but Mrs. Moore and Cyril Fielding change that. He goes to great lengths, spending a lot of his money and time to impress the English.
As with most plots there is a big misunderstanding and all the progress made by Dr. Aziz, Mrs. Moore and Cyril to move forward and become friends in a less than tolerant society are set back. Overall it was actually a pretty sad story. Then there is an even bigger misunderstanding that causes Dr. Aziz to become bitter towards the English. In the end Forster gives hope, but it just shows how much hate can take over and ruin your life. How holding a grudge isn't the best way to live your life. I'm looking forward to watching the movie adaptation.
I'll give this book an A 94%
No comments:
Post a Comment