Themes: God and Religion
E.M. Forster was neither deeply religious nor known for writing about religion. Yet, religion plays an important role in his book. India is portrayed as a meeting point for three major world religions—Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism. The book is divided into three sections—"Mosque," "Cave," and "Temple"—each aligning with one of these faiths. Aziz values the cultural and social dimensions of his Islamic heritage but seems less interested in its theological aspects and religious rituals. He is conscious of Muslims being a minority in India, which fosters a special bond with fellow Muslims like Hamidullah. The Anglo-Indians are nominal representatives of Christianity, though they exhibit little of its virtues, such as charity, love, and forgiveness. Ronny Heaslop acknowledges Christianity as acceptable in its own realm but ensures it doesn't interfere with his official duties. Mrs. Moore generally holds Christian views but experiences a crisis of faith during her visit to the Marabar Caves, which challenges her belief in God or any inherent meaning in life. Hinduism, the dominant religion in India, is represented by Professor Godbole, who is also the most devout character. For Godbole, Hinduism signifies "completeness, not reconstruction," emphasizing the acceptance of things as they are. Forster implies that this is the most positive spiritual outlook on life and the one that most accurately reflects the true spirit of India.
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