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Psychoanalysis of “A Passage to India”

Researcher: Iqra Aijaz

Roll No: 22004

Department of English 6th Semester

Supervisor: Mam Faiza Khan

04 March, 2024
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Introduction

E.M. Forster’s "A Passage to India" intricately weaves together the psychological

complexities of its characters with the socio-political landscape of British colonial India. One

compelling lens through which to examine the novel is through the framework of

psychoanalysis, which offers insights into the characters' motivations, conflicts, and

relationships. By delving into the depths of the characters’ psyches, we can uncover the

subconscious desires, fears, and traumas that shape their actions and interactions within the

colonial context.

In this research paper, we embark on an exploration of the psychoanalytic dimensions of "A

Passage to India," focusing on the intricate portrayal of characters grappling with identity,

repression, and desire. Drawing upon psychoanalytic theory, particularly the work of Sigmund

Freud and his followers, aim to unravel the subconscious motivations and internal conflicts that

drive the characters’ behavior and shape their relationships.

As we delve into the novel, we encounter a diverse array of characters whose psyches are deeply

influenced by the colonial environment in which they live. From the enigmatic Dr. Aziz, whose

desire for acceptance and belonging is overshadowed by his experiences of racial prejudice and

discrimination, to the conflicted Mrs. Moore, whose search for spiritual fulfillment is disrupted

by the harsh realities of colonial rule, each character grapples with their own psychological

demons amidst the complexities of colonial India. Furthermore, Forster’s narrative technique

invites a psychoanalytic reading, with its use of symbolism, ambiguity, and subtext allowing for

multiple layers of interpretation. Through close analysis of key passages and character
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interactions, we aim to uncover the hidden meanings and psychological undercurrents that

permeate the novel, shedding light on the characters’ innermost thoughts and motivations.

In undertaking this research, we are guided by a recognition of the enduring relevance of

psychoanalytic theory in literary analysis, particularly in its ability to uncover the deeper layers

of meaning and significance within a text. By applying a psychoanalytic lens to "A Passage to

India," we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the characters’ psyches and the ways in

which they navigate the complexities of colonialism, identity, and power.

In the pages that follow, we embark on a journey into the subconscious realms of Forster’s

characters, exploring the hidden desires, fears, and conflicts that shape their lives and

relationships. Through our analysis, we endeavor to illuminate the psychoanalytic dimensions of

"A Passage to India," inviting readers to join us in a deeper exploration of the human psyche

amidst the backdrop of colonial India.

Literature review

In relation to the title of this assignment , it is important to look at the psyche

and literature.

Lapsley and Stey (2012) state that there are three provinces of the mental life. These provinces

are id, ego and superego. In these provinces id motivates the mind to seek pleasure and is

responsible for biological foundation of a person or his or her personality. The ego is

influential by the external world. It is the balancing force for id. To satisfy the demands

of id with reality, it generates the libidinal energies. It works according to the

principles of reality and is based on reason and commonsense. Superego is responsible

for morality. It seeks perfection. Unlike ego, it represents ideal.As a depth

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psychology, a theory of mental unconsciousness, it can become indispensable to all

sciences which are concerned with the evolution of human civilization and its

major institutions such as art, religion and social order( Freud, 1926). Apart from

being a field of treatment of neuroses or psychotherapy, Freud in The Question of Lay

Analysis, emphasized the value of using the method of psychoanalytic theory in

analyzing art and social order. He generated the proper approach of analyzing the

human psyche which we now call psychoanalysis.

In this view of Freudian's concepts necessity of appreciating art, particular literature, we take the

cue of the demand of approaching these concepts in analyzing works of art.

For Wright (1991), Freud‘s theories have started an approach in literature by the name of

psychoanalytic approach. Those writers who depended only on symbols were of the interest to

Sigmund Freud. According to Freud, these writers use ideas with4mysteries and doubts which

give meaning only when explained by an analyst thoroughly. The analysts work on the

suppression which is released by the unconscious mind. Freudian theories try to give explanation

that literature is the work of fantasy and dreams. Thus, fantasy and dreams help the writers to

produce a literary piece. Psychoanalytical study helps to understand the childish wish that has

been repressed in the unconscious of mind. It is also the purpose of literary work.

The Psychological Criticism

An approach to literary criticism that interprets writings, authors and readers through a

psychological lens. Focus on expressing the subconscious at work, looking at psychology in the

narration itself as well as in the author. It was founded in the late nineteenth century until the

early twentieth century by Sigmund Freud.

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Psychoanalysis is a psychological theory and treatment for depression and anxiety disorders. The

purpose of analytical psychotherapy is to bring suppressed memories and emotions into light, or

to make the subconscious into conscious thought. The theory states that our minds extend

beyond conscious consciousness, and that the subconscious (or inner conscious) has a great

influence on our actions.

Psychoanalysis of Sigmund Freud

The Id: the pulsed part of our psychology, which responds directly and immediately to

instincts.

Ego: It works according to the principle of reality, which works to find realistic ways to

satisfy our sometimes chaotic demands.

Superego: It includes morals and values learned from parents and other influences. A split in

conscience and an ideal soul. Freud's theories were considered shocking in origin, and they

sparked more controversy and debate over time. Regardless of the controversy, these theories

have remained highly influential in many areas, including psychology, sociology, anthropology,

art, and literature.

Certainly! Let's start with character descriptions followed by separate sections discussing the

implications of psychoanalysis for each character:

Character Descriptions

1. Dr. Aziz:
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Dr. Aziz, a young and passionate Indian physician, embodies the struggle of the colonized

against British imperialism. He is described as impulsive, idealistic, and deeply proud of his

Indian heritage. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice from the British, Dr. Aziz maintains

a sense of dignity and resilience. His friendship with Mrs. Moore and his eventual clash with the

colonial establishment highlight his desire for connection and recognition within a society that

marginalizes him.

Analysis:

Applying psychoanalytic theory to Dr. Aziz, we can interpret his impulsive behavior and

passionate nature as manifestations of repressed desires for autonomy and recognition (id).

Freud's theory helps us understand Dr. Aziz's occasional outbursts of anger as expressions of his

subconscious frustration with colonial oppression. Additionally, his deep-seated desire for

connection with Mrs. Moore and his subsequent betrayal highlight his longing for validation

within a society that denies his humanity. Dr. Aziz's ego, the mediator between the id and the

external world, is constantly engaged in navigating the conflicts between his desires and the

constraints imposed by colonial society. His superego, shaped by societal norms and colonial

ideology, exerts pressure on him to conform to expectations, leading to internal conflicts and

psychological turmoil.

2. Mrs. Moore:

Mrs. Moore, an elderly Englishwoman, arrives in India with her son, Ronny Heaslop, seeking

spiritual fulfillment. She is portrayed as empathetic, open-minded, and disillusioned with the

superficiality of colonial society. Mrs. Moore's encounter with the Marabar Caves triggers a

spiritual crisis, leading her to question the nature of reality and existence. Her subsequent
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withdrawal from conventional social norms reflects her search for deeper meaning and

connection in a world defined by materialism and oppression.

Analysis:

Mrs. Moore's spiritual crisis and subsequent withdrawal from conventional social norms can be

analyzed through the lens of Freudian psychoanalysis. Her encounter with the Marabar Caves

triggers repressed fears and desires, leading to a profound existential crisis. Freud's concept of

the unconscious mind helps us interpret Mrs. Moore's search for meaning beyond the material

world as a subconscious response to the emptiness of colonial existence. Her ego struggles to

reconcile her subconscious desires with the external reality of colonial India, leading to a sense

of dissonance and detachment. Mrs. Moore's superego, influenced by societal expectations and

colonial values, reinforces her internal conflicts and adds to her sense of alienation and

disillusionment.

3. Ronny Heaslop:

Ronny, Mrs. Moore's son and a British colonial administrator, epitomizes the arrogance and self-

righteousness of the imperial ruling class. He is depicted as rigid, authoritarian, and dismissive of

Indian culture and aspirations. Ronny's engagement to Adela Quested reflects his adherence to

societal expectations and his desire for social status. However, his relationship with Adela is

strained by his inability to empathize with her evolving worldview and his rigid adherence to

colonial ideology.

Analysis:

Ronny's rigid adherence to colonial ideology and his dismissive attitude towards Indian culture

can be understood as defenses against his own unconscious insecurities. Freud's theory of
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defense mechanisms helps us interpret Ronny's authoritarian behavior as a projection of his fear

of losing control. His inability to empathize with Adela and Dr. Aziz reflects his own repressed

desires for acceptance and validation within the colonial hierarchy. Ronny's ego, shaped by his

experiences and societal expectations, struggles to maintain a sense of stability and authority in

the face of internal and external pressures. His superego, influenced by colonial values and

societal norms, reinforces his authoritarian tendencies and contributes to his alienation from his

own humanity.

4. Adela Quested:

Adela, a young British woman visiting India with Mrs. Moore, represents the clash between

Western modernity and Eastern tradition. She is portrayed as curious, independent-minded, and

eager to explore Indian culture. Adela's engagement to Ronny reflects her desire for stability and

social acceptance. However, her encounter with Dr. Aziz challenges her preconceived notions

about colonialism and identity, leading her to question her own desires and motivations.

Analysis:

Adela's journey of self-discovery and disillusionment with colonialism can be analyzed through

the framework of Freudian psychoanalysis. Her engagement to Ronny and subsequent doubts

about their relationship reflect her subconscious desire for stability and social acceptance.

Freud's theory of the Oedipus complex helps us understand Adela's ambivalent feelings towards

authority figures like Ronny, as well as her eventual rejection of conventional norms in favor of

personal autonomy. Adela's ego, striving to reconcile her subconscious desires with external

reality, undergoes a process of transformation and growth as she confronts the contradictions of

colonial society. Her superego, shaped by societal expectations and colonial values, exerts
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pressure on her to conform to conventional norms, but ultimately, her ego emerges victorious as

she asserts her independence and agency.

By applying the concepts of id, ego, and superego to the characters of "A Passage to India," we

gain deeper insights into their motivations, conflicts, and relationships within the colonial

context depicted in the novel.

Exploring the psychoanalytic dimensions of E.M. Forster’s "A Passage to India" necessitates a

thorough review of existing scholarship on the novel and relevant psychoanalytic theory. While

numerous critics have examined various aspects of the novel, fewer have delved specifically into

its psychoanalytic underpinnings. Nevertheless, several key works provide valuable insights into

the intersection of psychology and colonialism in Forster’s masterpiece.

Robert P. Waxler

In "Psychoanalysis and Colonialism: Forster’s A Passage to India" (2003), Robert P. Waxler

offers a pioneering exploration of the novel through a psychoanalytic lens. Waxler argues that

Forster’s characters are deeply influenced by their subconscious desires and fears, particularly in

the context of British colonialism in India. Through a close reading of key passages, Waxler

uncovers the psychological complexities of characters such as Dr. Aziz and Mrs. Moore,

revealing how their internal conflicts mirror the broader tensions of colonial India.

Peter Childs

Similarly, in "Psychoanalytic Criticism and ‘A Passage to India’" (1990), Peter Childs

explores the novel’s psychological dimensions, focusing on themes of repression, desire, and
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identity. Childs employs psychoanalytic theory to analyze the characters’ motivations and

relationships, arguing that Forster’s narrative technique invites readers to delve into the

subconscious realms of his characters. By uncovering the hidden meanings and psychological

undercurrents of the novel, Childs provides valuable insights into the ways in which colonialism

shapes individual psyches.

Anne H. Stevens

Expanding on these insights, Anne H. Stevens explores the role of gender and sexuality in "A

Passage to India" in her essay "Female Power in E.M. Forster's 'A Passage to India': A

Psychoanalytic Reading" (1994). Stevens employs psychoanalytic theory to analyze the

dynamics of power and desire between male and female characters, arguing that gender plays a

significant role in shaping the characters’ psyches and relationships. Through her analysis,

Stevens highlights the ways in which colonialism intersects with issues of gender and sexuality,

offering a nuanced understanding of the novel’s psychoanalytic dimensions.

Psychoanalytic theory itself

In addition to these critical works, psychoanalytic theory itself provides a valuable framework

for understanding the psychological complexities of "A Passage to India." Drawing on the work

of Sigmund Freud and his followers, psychoanalytic critics such as Jacques Lacan and Julia

Kristeva offer insights into the unconscious motivations and conflicts that drive human behavior.

By applying concepts such as repression, desire, and the Oedipus complex to the characters and

narrative of "A Passage to India," psychoanalytic theory enriches our understanding of the

novel’s psychoanalytic dimensions.

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As I embark on my own analysis of "A Passage to India" through a psychoanalytic lens, these

critical works and theoretical frameworks will serve as invaluable guides, providing a foundation

for uncovering the hidden depths of Forster’s characters and the colonial world they inhabit.

Through a synthesis of existing scholarship and original analysis, I aim to contribute to our

understanding of the psychoanalytic dimensions of this enduring literary masterpiece.

Conclusion

In my study of the characters in "A Passage to India," I found a deep connection between their

personal struggles and the larger colonial backdrop. Using Sigmund Freud's ideas, I explored

characters like Dr. Aziz, Mrs. Moore, Ronny Heaslop, and Adela Quested, discovering their

hidden desires and fears. These characters reflect the challenges faced by people under British

rule in India. Dr. Aziz's need for approval, Mrs. Moore's spiritual journey, Ronny's need for

control, and Adela's quest for independence all mirror the complexities of colonial life.

By looking at their inner conflicts through the lens of Freud's theories, I uncovered how they try

to balance their own desires with society's expectations. This sheds light on their struggles to

find their place in a society dominated by colonialism. In wrapping up my study, "A Passage to

India" emerges as more than just a story about colonialism. It becomes a deep exploration of

human nature under challenging circumstances. Through this analysis, I've gained a better

understanding of how literature can reflect our inner struggles and societal challenges.
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References

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/

298857928_A_PSYCHOANALYTICAL_READING_OF_EM_FORSTER

%27S_PASSAGE_TO_INDIA_AN_IMPOSSIBLE_RATIONALIZATION_OF_THE_UN

CONSCIOUS

https://www.gradesaver.com/a-passage-to-india/study-guide/character-list

https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/p/a-passage-to-india/character-list

http://www.pauls.mistral.co.uk/emforster.html

https://open.metu.edu.tr/bitstream/handle/11511/88683/12625975.pdf