E. M. Forster is celebrated for his insightful depictions of Edwardian life
and his exploration of complex social issues through literature. By the time he
wrote A Passage to India, Forster had established himself as a prominent
novelist with several acclaimed works. Though his literary output was sparse
for a period, his influence on literature and culture remains significant.
Early Life and Education
Edward Morgan Forster was born in the bustling city of London on the first
day of 1879, as an only child. His father, an architect, passed away when
Forster was merely a year old, leaving him to be raised by a household of
women—his mother, grandmother, and his father’s aunt. The latter left him a
substantial inheritance of 8,000 pounds, which would eventually fund his
education and early travels, allowing him financial independence early in his
writing career.
Formative Years
Forster spent his early years in the picturesque English countryside to the
north of London, enjoying a joyful childhood. He attended preparatory school in
Eastbourne before his family relocated to Kent. It was there he attended
Tonbridge School, a traditional English public school where his experiences
were far from pleasant. His fortunes turned at Cambridge University, where he
delved into classical studies at King’s College. Cambridge was a period of
intellectual flourishing for Forster; he joined the Apostles, an exclusive
intellectual society, and came under the influence of philosopher G.E. Moore.
This period was pivotal, shaping his philosophical outlook and fostering
connections with future luminaries of the Bloomsbury Group.
Travel and Literary Aspirations
Post-Cambridge, Forster’s travels to Italy and Greece further enriched his
perspectives and cemented his resolve to pursue a literary career. In 1902, he
took up a post as an instructor at London’s Working Men’s College, a position
he held for the next twenty years. His tenure at this institution coincided
with the time he lived with his mother in Weybridge, near London.
Influences and Early Works
While residing in Weybridge, Forster came into contact with Syed Ross
Masood, an Indian student whom he tutored. Their friendship sparked Forster’s
interest in India, prompting his first journey to the subcontinent in 1912
alongside friends from his Cambridge days. He spent six months in India,
specifically in Bankipore on the Ganges River. This town would later serve as
the inspiration for Chandrapore in A Passage to India. His visit to the
Barabar Caves provided the basis for the fictional Marabar Caves. Although he
began drafting this novel during his stay, Forster set it aside upon his return
to England to write Maurice, a novel exploring themes of homosexual
love—considered provocative material for the era, leading Forster to withhold
its publication during his lifetime.
World War I and Later Travels
The outbreak of World War I saw Forster volunteering with the Red Cross in
Alexandria, Egypt, immersing him in a new cultural and geographical context. In
1921, he revisited India, spending another half-year, this time as the private
secretary to the Maharajah of Dewas Senior. This period deepened his
understanding of Indian culture and politics, equipping him with richer
material for his novel. Upon returning to England, Forster completed A
Passage to India, dedicating it to Masood. Despite his initial
apprehensions regarding its success, the book was well-received and marked the
zenith of his novel writing career. The favorable reception reassured Forster,
who thereafter largely shifted his focus to writing short stories, essays, and
contributing to radio broadcasts.
Later Life and Legacy
Forster’s literary pursuits continued post-A Passage to India,
although he abstained from producing further novels. He remained an influential
figure in literature through his essays and short stories, receiving numerous
awards and honors over his lifetime. His impact on the literary world persisted
even after his death on June 7, 1970, in Coventry, England. Today, his works
continue to captivate audiences, with most of his novels, save for The
Longest Journey, having been adapted into films, underscoring his enduring
legacy in both literature and cinema.