Maryline Erika O.

Martin
How does Forster present settings, characters and emerging themes from chapters 1 11.

Forster introduces and presents to us various settings, characters and themes in

Part One of the text. We are first introduced to Chandrapore, the setting in which the
first half of the text takes place in, and then other settings such as the Civil Station, the
Club and the Mosque; the namesake of Part One. Most characters, major and minor,
make their first appearance in chapters 1-11, there are the Indians such as Dr. Aziz and
Professor Godbole as well as the Anglo-Indians; Mrs.Moore, Ronny Heaslop etc.
Themes explored within these chapters involve racism, division of cultures and
colonialism.

In the introductory chapter, the city of Chandrapore is first described in a

negative light; it is seemingly filthy, 'abased' and 'monotonous' presenting 'nothing
extraordinary'. Our first impressions of Chandrapore would be that it is severely
wanting. The perspective then shifts or alters to that from inland; the Civil Station. From
here, Chandrapore appears entirely different; beautiful and lively, 'a city of gardens'.
This contradictory and differing presentation of Chandrapore is Forster's way to
introduce us to the 'muddle' that is India and its many illusory and deceptive qualities.

The Civil Station, slightly elevated above the rest of the city, contains the 'redbrick Club' and bungalows where the Anglo-Indians live in. It is an area reserved and
made specifically for their residency and theirs only. The Civil Station is completely cut

off from the rest of Chandrapore, sharing nothing with the city but the 'overarching sky'.
This presentation of the Civil Station as being detached from the rest of the city and a
place where Indians are not allowed to live in introduces us to the theme of colonialism
and the gap or division it creates between the Anglo-Indians and the Indians. The Club, a
meeting place for the residents, does not permit the entry of Indians. It exemplifies this
segregation and inequality of both races; with the Indians treated as inferior and the
Anglo-Indians thinking they are the superior ones. The fact that the Civil Station is
located at the top of the city again emphasizes the control and superiority that the
British Colony has over India.

Indian architecture is presented as drab, formless and somewhat unfinished that

it amuses outsiders and supports the 'muddle' of India. The western architecture,
however, is 'sensibly planned' and proportionate that it 'provokes no emotion'. Forster
shows us, through Indian and Western structures, the differences and therefore
inequality of the two cultures. Perhaps, this is also Forster's way of presenting the
Indians' lack of attention to form and logic but his views are not entirely pessimistic as is
seen with his presentation of the mosque through the eyes of Aziz. The mosque is
'pleasing' and 'gracious' and provokes a certain calmness and 'happiness' in Aziz. The
setting is set in the evening, emphasizing the beauty of the mosque. The significance of
the mosque is that it is where a friendship was forged between Aziz and Mrs. Moore
which beforehand seemed an impossible feat. Their friendship lessens or casts away the
boundary set between Indians and the British. The mosque, in this sense, represents a
sort of bridge between two separate cultures that is filled with hope and promise.

Forster presents the Anglo-Indians as cruel, distant and racist towards the Indians
whom they consider second-rate to them. They did not exhibit these qualities the first
time they came to India but they eventually 'become exactly the same', growing
accustomed to the herd mentality with the women becoming the more malicious ones.
Albeit, Cyril Fielding who has been in India for quite some time was different than the
other Anglo-Indians; 'he had no racial feeling' and did not fall victim to the 'herdinstinct'. He finds it easy to relate and associate with the Indians as his level-headed
rationalism lets him view everyone of every culture as the same. This willingness to treat
the Indians with fairness and respect shortens the gap between him and them but has
resulted in a rift or 'gulf' between him and his own countrymen; 'Mr. Fielding wasn't
pukka'. Ronny Heaslop, however, is a prominent example of being 'pukka' or having the
herd-mentality. Forster often presents a highly negative view of the typical Anglo-Indian
through the characterization of Heaslop. He appears condescending and distrustful
towards the Indians throughout Part One holding the belief that the British are not
meant to be 'pleasant' or kind in India. On the other hand, we are shown a brief glimmer
of softness and kindness in Ronny in Chapter 8 which contrasts his indifferent and
arrogant attitude in previous chapters, even showing capability of feeling 'ashamed of
his curtness to Aziz and Godbole' and wanting to show that he 'could treat the Indians
with consideration'. Forster does not entirely put Ronny in bad light but has successfully
shown that he is merely a victim of circumstances or the herd-mentality.

Mrs. Moore who has just arrived to India is introduced to us in the mosque. She is
presented as a spiritual, tender and loving elderly woman. Mrs. Moore is shown to be
respectful of the holy places of whatever religion or culture proven when she took off
her shoes before entering the mosque because as she puts it, 'God is here'. Her
treatment of the wasp, calling it a 'pretty dear', exemplifies her love for and

appreciation of all things even if they bear no particular significance to her due to her
belief that 'God is Love'.

The Indians appear worthless, inferior and weak to the Anglo-Indians but they are
not at all presented as such by Forster. The first appearances of Indians in Part One
presents to us the vibrant, witty and humorous qualities possessed by Hamidullah,
Mahmoud Ali and Aziz. The former two are British-educated magistrates or lawyers
whereas the latter is a surgeon who's skills rivals that of the Civil Surgeon himself. No
instances of inferiority or worthlessness is presented through their characterizations.
Forster does not, however, neglect that the Indians have flaws and negative traits as
well like the Bhattacharyas' invitation to Calcutta and Aziz's invitation to his home and
later to the Marabar Caves. The Indians never meant anything by the invitation, not
literally anyway, to them it is a simple gesture as a sign of politeness and courtesy. Aziz
again later shows a deep interest in wanting to know everything about Mr. Fielding's
life; 'his salary...how best one might please him', a trait which would be considered rude
by any other culture, especially the British.

Aziz is not portrayed entirely in this light. He seems to act as central character to
the novel and is presented as outgoing, spirited, gregarious, appreciative of Islam and
holds an eternal, undying love for his deceased wife. Aziz wears his heart on his sleeves
seen by his immediate love of Mrs. Moore and Fielding because they showed
acceptance and kindness to him. He does possess such traits as naivety hypocrisy;
berating the condition of the all Hindu households when his own is quite run down
itself. Aziz does show inconsistency in his characterization but all is to ensure that he
moulds into a 'round character' to make him seem more real; more human.

Another interesting character to discuss would be Professor Godbole. His

presentation seems very comic and carefree but at the same time, he is wise and
philosophical. He shows an acceptance of the universe no matter how confusing and
mysterious it can get. A quality that the British does not and cannot seem to possess;
they try to find meaning and definition for everything wanting so badly to understand
the world and gain control over it and hence, their lives.

The British Imperialism or Colonialism is heavily criticized throughout chapters 1 11. Settling in India and knowing very well that they are in control, the British colony
behave superior to the Indians. Exhibiting cold, condescending and disparaging
demeanor towards the natives instead of putting an effort in gaining their trust and
understanding, the British colony do not wish to bridge the gulf between them but
instead choose to widen the gap and create an intangible barrier; '[they] don't intend to
be pleasant.' From the presentation of the British imperialism, Forster brings forth
themes such as racism and cultural division. Forster is often judgemental and satirical in
his characterization of the British officials which is all done to show his disapproval in
the way the colony governs over India.