Passage to India

Cultural misunderstanding or clash is the main theme of this novel. Fundamental differences in race, language, sexual equality and religion separate the Indians from the British sent to govern them. Although the British are living in India, they stay in their own community and have their own “club” where locals are not allowed; they perform British plays and have British parties, only inviting native Indians as showpieces for the new arrivals to view.

Several Anglo-Indians consider Adela a race-traitor for admitting that she was wrong about an Indian (Dr. Aziz) sexually assaulting her. The Indians resent the British rule and their foreign customs and attitudes. There is further culture clash within the Indian culture. The Muslims and Hindus are separate and Dr. Aziz, the protagonist, insults the Hindu culture on several occasions. At the end of the novel, Dr. Aziz is living in a Hindu region and considers himself to be an outsider.