On 10th April 2024, I presented my semester 2 presentation for Paper no. 110- History of English Literature - From 1900 to 2000. My topic was “Beyond Masala: Existentialism in Indian Cinema”.
On 9th April 2024, I presented my semester 2 presentation for Paper no. 109 - Literary Theory & Criticism and Indian Aesthetics. My topic was “From Loss to Legacy: The Orphan Hero Archetype in Fictional Narratives”.
On 8th April 2024, I presented my semester 2 presentation for Paper no. 108 - The American Literature. My topic was “Transcending Swiftly: A Study of Transcendentalism in Taylor Swift’s Lyrics”.
On 6th April 2024, I presented my semester 2 presentation for Paper no. 107 - The Twentieth Century Literature: From World War II to the End of the Century. My topic was “ Beyond Humanity: A Comparative Analysis of Dehumanisation in Dystopian Narratives”.
On 5th April 2024, I presented my semester 2 presentation for Paper no. 106 - The Twentieth Century Literature: 1900 to World War II. My topic was - Interrogating Gender Constructs: A Feminist Analysis of Virginia Woolf’s ‘Orlando’.
Cultural Crossroads: Depictions of India in ‘Kim’ and ‘A Passage to India’
Table of contents
Personal Information
Name - Bhumiba Gohil
Batch - M.A. Sem 2 (2023-2025)
Enrollment Number - 5108230016
Email Address - bhumibagohil333@gmail.com
Roll Number - 4
Assignment Details
Topic - Cultural Crossroads: Depictions of India in ‘Kim’ and ‘A Passage to India’
Paper -History of English Literature - From 1900 to 2000
Paper Number - 110
Subject Code - 22403
Submitted to - Smt. S.B. Gardi Department of English M.K.B.U.
Date of Submission - 26 April 2024
Abstract
This assignment examines the contrasting depictions of India in two influential 20th century novels - Rudyard Kipling's Kim (1901) and E.M. Forster's A Passage to India (1924). By analyzing the portrayal of India's landscapes, Indian characters, and the power dynamics between the colonizers and colonized in each work, the assignment illuminates the shifting perspectives on British colonialism over the early 20th century. By analyzing representations of landscapes, Indian characters, and colonial dynamics, the assignment illuminates Kim's reinforcement of British superiority narratives versus A Passage to India's nuanced exploration of the complexities and tensions underlying the colonial experience in India. These influential novels provide valuable perspectives on the legacy and impacts of the British Raj.
Keywords
India, 20th century literature, colonialism, Rudyard Kipling, E.M. Forster, Kim, A Passage to India.
Introduction
The way that India is portrayed in English literature from the 20th century is varied and complex, mirroring the complicated connection that existed between Britain and its former colony. Many writers, including Salman Rushdie, Rudyard Kipling, and E.M. Forster, have portrayed India in a variety of ways, frequently including their personal histories, viewpoints, and the background of British colonialism and Indian freedom. Through the prism of English literature, these works—from Kipling's portrayals in "Kim" to Forster's more complex examination of colonialism in "A Passage to India" and Rushdie's postcolonial critique in "Midnight's Children"—offer insights into India's culture, society, and politics.
In this assignment, we shall focus on the portrayal of India in Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Kim’ and ‘A Passage to India’.
‘Kim’ by Rudyard Kipling
Famous British writer Rudyard Kipling was born in India in 1865. His varied body of work includes poetry, short tales, and novels. Imperialism, adventure, and the intricacies of human nature are among the themes he frequently addresses. Kipling won several honors, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907, for his unique writing style and vivid narrative, which have left an enduring impression on literature.
(Stewart)
“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.”
- Rudyard Kipling
One of Rudyard Kipling's most enduring novels, ‘Kim’, was released in 1901 and is set against the backdrop of British colonial India. It combines themes of adventure, espionage, and coming-of-age. The story of Kimball O'Hara, an Irish orphan living in the busy streets of Lahore, is told in this novel. Kim becomes caught up in the Great Game a geopolitical competition between Russia and Britain while he makes his way through the intricate social and political terrain of India. Kipling delves into themes of identity, belonging, and cultural clashes via Kim's interactions with a variety of personalities and his search for his true self. ‘Kim’ enthralls readers worldwide with its vivid depiction of India's colorful tapestry and its timeless examination of adolescence and self-discovery.
(Kipling)
Portrayal of India in Rudyard Kipling’s ‘Kim’
India is portrayed in Rudyard Kipling's ‘Kim’ from a viewpoint that simultaneously romanticizes its natural beauty and supports colonial notions of domination and superiority. Kipling uses a range of narrative techniques to paint a picture of India that supports and defends British imperialism. He highlights sensory aspects like sights, sounds, and smells to create an enthralling depiction of rural life and India's natural beauty. But because this representation is frequently given "from a train window," it conveys a very shallow viewpoint that ignores the many nuanced aspects of Indian society. Many intricate complexities are ignored.
The Indian characters are portrayed as lacking political awareness. They are shown as extremely naive. This portrayal of characters reinforces the colonial stereotype that these countries are in need of governance from the British. They are seen as passive subjects in need of guidance. Moreover, Kipling does not depict the political turmoil of the time. He avoids talking about Indian resistance. He is either unable to notice or does not include in his book, the negative impacts of colonialism. Because of this view, the novel remains somewhat detached from the political atmosphere of the time.
The colonial power dynamics are also reinforced through the characters of Kim who is of european origin and Lama, his Indian mentor. Kim works as a guide to the Lama. Ultimately, Kim rejects the spiritual quest of his mentor in favor of materialism. Throughout the novel, the concept of British racial and cultural superiority is promoted. The colonizers are seen as generous rulers who are given the task of civilizing the “savage” Indian population. To justify the British dominance, India is depicted as a land of superstitions. It is shown as backwards when compared to the European countries.
So we see that, in ‘Kim’, India is romanticized for its beauty of natural places, but at the same time considered inferior and uncivilized. It reflects Kipling’s pro-imperialist biases.
(Hossain and Rahman)
E. M. Foster’s ‘A Passage to India’
British novelist and essayist E.M. Forster was born in 1879 and became well-known for his exploration of the conflicts between social norms and individual liberties. Forster is well-known for his perceptive observations of English culture and his perceptive portrayal of the human condition. His work skillfully addresses issues like sexuality, class, and the intricacies of interpersonal relationships. With ground-breaking novels like "A Room with a View," "Howards End," and "A Passage to India," Forster became one of the 20th century's most renowned writers and permanently altered the course of English literature. Forster is a literary great whose influence lives on thanks to his complex characters, vivid prose, and insightful examination of moral quandaries. His works continue to be appreciated by readers all over the world.
(Beer)
“Life is easy to chronicle, but bewildering to practice.”
- E. M. Forster
The 1924 publication of "A Passage to India," considered E.M. Forster's magnum opus, is a foundational work that delves into the intricacies of colonialism, cultural misinterpretation, and the quest for unity in a world marked by diversity and division. The story explores the tense relations between the British colonists and the native Indian population, set against the backdrop of British India in the early 20th century. Forster skillfully explores themes of identity, power, and the collision of cultures through vividly rendered characters and evocative prose, finally pushing readers to face their own prejudices and assumptions. "A Passage to India" is still regarded as a timeless masterpiece because of its enduring relevance in a world that is changing constantly and its profound insights into the human condition.
(Foster)
Portrayal of India in ‘A passage to India’
In E.M. Forster's ‘A Passage to India’, India is portrayed as a land of mystery that baffles the British colonial characters, leading to a profound sense of disconnection and alienation.
Forster depicts India as a place full of strangeities and mysteries that baffle Adela Quested and Mrs. Moore, two British colonial characters. The British are made to feel perplexed by the complexity of Indian society, which is portrayed as unfathomable. The Marabar caverns are a metaphor for India's enigmatic character, signifying the country's immensity and nothingness. The reverberation in the caves emphasizes the cultural gap between the colonizers and the colonized by reflecting the British characters' incapacity to comprehend or find meaning in the Indian environment.
Characters from India, such as Aziz, are portrayed as illogical and excessively chatty, in contrast to the intelligent and collected British. By upholding colonial assumptions that Indians are inferior and incapable of comprehending everyday issues, this portrayal strengthens the relationship of power between the native population and the British conquerors. By allowing Aziz's resentment of the British towards the end of the book, Forster alludes to the spirit of Indian nationalism. As a force of resistance against British oppression, Aziz's dissatisfaction of colonial power is portrayed, echoing the larger social and political unrest of the day.
Forster examines the ethnic and cultural barriers that prevent real friendship between Indian and British characters. True friendship between colonizers and Indians is practically impossible due to social barriers on both sides, despite attempts at understanding and empathy.
The book also emphasizes India's internal conflicts, such as casteism, religious differences, and British economic exploitation that prolong India's colonial enslavement. India's relationship with its colonial rulers is made more complex by these internal disputes, which also add layers of complexity to the way the nation is portrayed.
In summary, ‘A Passage to India’ portrays India as an enigmatic and racially divided nation where attempts to heal the division between the Indian populace and the British occupiers are beset with difficulties. The intricacies of colonialism and the challenges of sincere comprehension and connection in a sharply divided society are reflected in Forster's portrayal of India.
(Hossain and Rahman)
Comparing both the perspectives
Kipling's ‘Kim’ and Forster's ‘A Passage to India’ presents contrasting perspectives on India. Each work reflects the era's prevailing attitudes and understandings.
Kipling's ‘Kim’ paints India as an exotic and scenic land, yet this romanticized portrayal remains detached from reality. It is viewed largely through the lens of British colonialism. Indian characters are depicted as passive and subservient to the white protagonist, Kim. This reinforces colonial stereotypes. The novel affirms colonial superiority and the “white man's burden” through its portrayal of British racial and cultural supremacy, largely avoiding any depiction of Indian resistance or political turmoil.
On the other hand, Forster's ‘A Passage to India’ explores the intricacies of colonialism in greater detail. India is portrayed as a mysterious and unfathomable place that bewilders the British protagonists. The Marabar caverns represent the cultural gap between the colonizers and the colonized. In addition to examining the underlying conflicts that Indian society faces like casteism, religious differences, and economic exploitation by the British, Forster also recognizes the nation's developing nationalist sentiment.
Whereas ‘Kim’ depicts India as a gorgeous setting for imperial escapades, ‘A Passage to India’, provides a more complex and critical interpretation. By emphasizing how deeply ingrained cultural divides and prejudices exist on both sides, Forster confronts colonial power relations by showing how true friendship between British and Indian characters is impossible. More nuance is exhibited in the portrayal of Indian characters such as Aziz, who exhibits impetuous conduct and flashes of rage towards British colonialism. The contrasting ways that India is portrayed in these two pieces illustrate how views toward and perceptions of the British colonial experience changed over time. While ‘Kim’ perpetuates stories of colonial domination and superiority, ‘A Passage to India’ questions these stories and power systems, providing a more sophisticated examination of the conflicts and cultural intricacies that characterized the colonial era.
Conclusion
In essence, Kipling's ‘Kim’ and Forster's ‘A Passage to India’ offer contrasting depictions of India under British colonialism. While ‘Kim’ romanticizes India as an exotic colonial backdrop, reinforcing notions of British superiority, ‘A Passage to India’ provides a more nuanced critique of the cultural divide. Forster's exploration of internal struggles challenges colonial power dynamics, underlining the inability to bridge the gap between the two societies. These novels shed light on the complexities of India's relationship with the British Empire, inviting reflection on the lasting impacts of colonialism and the intricacies of cultural exchange and resistance.
References
Beer, John Bernard. "E.M. Forster". Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 Apr. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/E-M-Forster. Accessed 26 April 2024.
Forster, E. M. A Passage to India. Edited by Pankaj Mishra, Penguin Classics, 2005.
Hossain, Muhammed Elham, and Mustafizur Rahman. “Kim and A Passage to India: A Binary of Colonial Attitude.” Bangladesh Journals Online, https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/SJE/article/download/14469/10274. Accessed 25 April 2024.
Kipling, Rudyard. Kim. Edited by Cedric Watts, Wordsworth Editions, 1994.
Stewart, John I.M.. "Rudyard Kipling". Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Mar. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rudyard-Kipling. Accessed 26 April 2024.
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‘Midnight’s Children’ by Salman Rushdie is a seminal work of postcolonial literature, blending magical realism with historical narrative. ...
