Modernism in “A passage to India”

modernness refers to a classification of literary works that was written between 1914 and 1965. E. M. Forsters A expiration to India was published in 1924, placing it in the early years of the Modernist Period as well as inwardly the Georgian Age (Harmon 597). In dodge and literature, Modernism paralleled the rise of industrial technology and advances in science. In music, atonalism that is, music which deliberately avoids aboriginal centers and is often dissonant was produced by composers such as Arnold Schoenberg. Visual art found expression in cubism. Theories by Sigmund Freud also had a mesomorphic influence on this movement.In literature, the forward-looking writing style is characterized by breaking with tradition. It is privileged-self oriented, and that inner-self is often explored using a stream of consciousness manner. Modernism rejects traditional set and assumptions. The individual takes pride of place while the tender and outward are cast aside. Some scholar s see Modernism as a reaction to the practical and systematic sensibilities of Realism and Naturalism (Harmon 326).not surprisingly, the Modern Era was also when Existentialism came into prominence a colligate philosophy in which human beings are expected to create their consume meaning for existence. Forsters Oriental-leaning characters in this novel provide examples of a Modernistic mental capacity contrasting with the traditional English Imperialist forelandset provided by former(a) characters. Forster uses the symbol of water to represent the idea of renewal in the synagogue chapter.There is an event in which the Hindoos are preparing to throw God remote (Forster 308), and part of the ceremony involves a replica of the village of Gokul that is placed on a tray and is to perish. Meanwhile, the British and others are in boats out in the water, observant the festivities, and the boats collide, expelling the passengers. The symbolic village perishes so that it can be renewed , and is vox of the renewal of mindsets of some of the passengers in the boats.Aziz in particular in the last menti adeptd portion of the Temple section, exhibits several examples of stream of consciousness thinking. In one instance Fielding asks Aziz to meet with Stella and Ralph, and Aziz does not reply. Instead, the reader is allowed into his thoughts, which are not linear but circular, and is one example of how a human mind jumps around from topic to feeling to emotion and back (Forster 314).Because Forster is examining traditional values through a Modernistic lens in this novel, material point in time is much less important than what the characters are thinking. The action in this theme is in each characters mind, and how they grapple with new ideas concerning culture, religion, and morality.Professor Godbole and Mrs. Moore express their inner character and the workings of their minds in an Oriental manner, embodied in the Hindu sensibility. Mrs. Moore, although a Christian , is accepted into Oriental culture, and she clashes with Heaslop prior to Azizs trial. Heaslop does not understand his nonplus because he does not recognize her spirituality, and he sides with the English Imperialist mindset against Aziz, theOriental. Mrs. Moore will have no part in helping her son succeed to the detriment of an Oriental. She ultimately leaves India and the trial (Forster 201).In A Passage to India, Forster uses Modernism to explore the inclusive attitude of the Oriental and how diverse race make their passages in coming to terms with this sensibility. Forster makes use of a Modernistic approach to help him tell a story with great depth, complexity and surprise.Works CitedForster, E. M. A Passage to India. New York Harcourt, 1924.Harmon, William and C. High Holman. A enchiridion to Literature. 7th ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey Prentice Hall, 1996.