E.M.

Forster

E.M. Forster (1879-1970) was a renowned English novelist, essayist, and critic, celebrated for his insightful
and nuanced explorations of human nature, society, and the arts.

Introduction

E.M. Forster was an English novelist, short story writer and essayist. He was born on January 1, 1879, in
London, England, and died on June 7, 1970, in Coventry, Warwickshire, England. He is most famous for
his novels, particularly “A Passage to India” and “Howards End.” His humanistic ideas recognize the
difficulties of overcoming class differences, but he introduces a mystical element to help resolve these
problems. He is known for his creed of life, “Only connect,” which is the epigraph to his 1910 novel “Howards
End.”

Early Life : E.M. Forster was born in London on January 1, 1879, to an upper-middle-class family.His father,
an architect, died when Forster was a baby, and he was brought up by his mother and paternal aunts. He
was educated at Tonbridge School and later at King’s College, Cambridge, where he was elected to the
Apostles, an exclusive society that aimed to pursue truth through serious.

E.M. Forster as an Essay writer

E.M. Forster (1879-1970) was a renowned essayist who made significant contributions to literary prose. He
was a prominent English essayist, novelist, and critic, whose contributions to literary prose are still widely
appreciated.

Forster’s essays explored literature, art, politics, and social issues, offering insightful and thought-provoking
commentary. He championed individual freedom, tolerance, and empathy, emphasizing the importance of
human connections. His essays often examined the role of the artist and the writer in society.Forster’s
writing style was characterized by: * Clarity and simplicity * Wit and humor * Insightful and nuanced
observations * Engaging and accessible language * A conversational tone, making complex ideas
approachable.

Forster belonged to the Modernist era, but his writing style was more traditional and accessible than some
of his contemporaries.He was associated with the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of intellectuals and artists
that included Virginia Woolf, Lytton Strachey, and others.

Forster was a liberal humanist, emphasizing the importance of individual freedom, tolerance, and
empathy.He was a literary critic and essayist, as well as a novelist, and his essays often explored the role
of literature in society. He was a public intellectual, using his writing to engage with broader social and
political issues.

Recognition : Honorary fellowship at King's College, Cambridge * Member of the Order of Merit (1969)

Contributions:He championed individual freedom, tolerance, and empathy and explored the role of the
artist and writer in society. Novels: "A Room with a View", "Howards End", "A Passage to India’’ Essays:
"Abinger Harvest", "Two Cheers for Democracy"

Overall, E.M. Forster’s essays offer a unique blend of insight, wit, and accessibility, making him a significant
figure in literary prose.

Notes on the English Character

In “Notes on the English Character”, Aldous Huxley offers a witty and insightful analysis of the English
national identity, exploring the quirks and contradictions of the English people. He examines the English
obsession with privacy, their love of nature, and their tendency towards hypocrisy, among other traits.
Through his observations, Huxley reveals a nuanced and humorous portrait of the English character.

About the Author

Aldous Huxley, author of “Notes on the English Character”, was a British writer and philosopher.He was
known for his witty and insightful observations on human nature and society. In this essay, Huxley employs
his characteristic style of irony, satire, and humor.He pokes fun at the English people’s quirks, hypocrisies,
and contradictions.

Huxley’s ideas are rooted in his fascination with human psychology and behavior.He explores the English
obsession with privacy, love of nature, and class divisions.His writing is lucid, engaging, and thought-
provoking, making complex ideas accessible.Huxley’s style is characterized by his use of vivid imagery,
clever wordplay, and clever reasoning.Through his writing, he encourages readers to question societal
norms and conventions.Overall, Huxley’s “Notes on the English Character” is a classic essay that remains
a timeless commentary on human nature.

Background : “Notes on the English Character” is a satirical essay by Aldous Huxley, first published in
1922. Written in the aftermath of World War I, the essay offers a witty and insightful analysis of the English
national identity. Huxley, a renowned British writer and philosopher, draws on his own experiences and
observations to explore the quirks, contradictions, and hypocrisies of the English people. The essay is a
classic example of Huxley’s clever and humorous writing style, which pokes fun at the English obsession
with privacy, class divisions, and their love of nature. Through his observations, Huxley reveals a nuanced
and humorous portrait of the English character, which remains a timeless commentary on human nature.

Themes

Here are the themes and main points of “Notes on the English Character” by Aldous Huxley:

Privacy: English people’s obsession with privacy *Love of solitude and individualism* Discomfort with
physical touch and intimacy* Preference for written communication over face-to-face interaction* Respect
for others’ privacy, but also curiosity about their lives

Hypocrisy: English people’s tendency to hide behind masks of respectability *Double standards and moral
hypocrisy * Pretending to be what they are not * Fear of being judged or exposed * Difficulty in being
genuine and authentic

Class Divisions: English class system and social hierarchy * Snobbery and pretentiousness * Awareness
of one’s place in society* Fear of being inferior or superior *Difficulty in bridging the gap between classe

Love of Nature : English people’s affection for the natural world* Love of gardens, parks, and countryside*
Escapism from urban life* Solace in nature’s beauty and tranquility * Connection to the land and national
identity.

National Identity : English people’s sense of national pride and identity* History and tradition * Cultural
heritage and customs * Sense of belonging and community * Difficulty in defining Englishness in a changing
world.

Each theme is explored through Huxley’s witty and insightful observations, offering a nuanced and
humorous portrait of the English character.

Summary
Aldous Huxley’s “Notes on the English Character” is a satirical essay that explores the quirks and
contradictions of the English people. Through his witty and insightful observations, Huxley reveals a
nuanced and humorous portrait of the English character, delving into their deep-seated desires, fears, and
contradictions.

Aldous Huxley’s “Notes on the English Character” is a thought-provoking essay that delves into the
intricacies of the English people’s behavior, culture, and national identity. Through his astute observations,
Huxley reveals a complex web of contradictions, desires, and fears that shape the English character. This
summary will explore the deep ideas and philosophical themes presented in the essay, examining the
English obsession with privacy, hypocrisy, class system, love of nature, and national identity.

Note 1: The English Obsession with Privacy

Huxley begins by examining the English fixation on privacy, which he argues stems from a fear of intimacy
and physical touch. This obsession leads to a preference for written communication over face-to-face
interaction, and a desire for personal space. Huxley contends that this privacy obsession is rooted in a
desire for self-protection and a need to maintain a sense of individualism. Philosophical Idea: The tension
between individualism and communal living is a fundamental human dilemma. The English obsession with
privacy highlights the struggle to balance personal freedom with social norms and the need for human
connection.

Note 2: The Hypocrisy of the English

Huxley critiques the English tendency towards hypocrisy, exposing the gap between public appearances
and private realities. He argues that this hypocrisy stems from a fear of being judged or exposed, leading
to a culture of pretence and double standards. Huxley contends that this hypocrisy is rooted in a desire for
social acceptance and a fear of rejection. Philosophical Idea: The human tendency towards self-deception
and the masks we wear to conceal our true selves is a universal phenomenon. The English hypocrisy
highlights the tension between authenticity and social conformity, and the human desire to be accepted and
loved.

Note 3: The English Class System

Huxley examines the English class system, revealing a rigid social hierarchy that perpetuates snobbery
and pretentiousness. He argues that this system is rooted in a fear of being inferior or superior, leading to
a culture of social climbing and status anxiety. Huxley contends that this class system is a barrier to genuine
relationships and true understanding. Philosophical Idea: The social construction of identity and the ways
in which class and status shape our perceptions of self and others is a fundamental aspect of human
society. The English class system highlights the tension between social mobility and social justice, and the
human desire for equality and fairness.

Note 4: The English Love of Nature

Huxley explores the English affection for the natural world, revealing a deep-seated connection to the land
and a desire for escapism from urban life. He argues that this love of nature stems from a need for solace
and tranquility, and a desire to reconnect with a sense of national identity. Philosophical Idea: The human
relationship with the natural world is a fundamental aspect of human existence. The English love of nature
highlights the tension between urbanization and environmentalism, and the human need for connection
with the natural world.

Note 5: The English National Identity

Huxley examines the English sense of national pride and identity, revealing a complex web of history,
tradition, and cultural heritage. He argues that this identity is rooted in a sense of belonging and community,
but is also fraught with difficulties in defining Englishness in a changing world. Philosophical Idea: The
construction of national identity and the ways in which it shapes our sense of self and our place in the world
is a fundamental aspect of human society. The English national identity highlights the tension between
tradition and progress, and the human desire for belonging and community.

Conclusion:

In “Notes on the English Character,” Huxley offers a nuanced and humorous portrait of the English people,
revealing deep-seated desires, fears, and contradictions that shape their national identity and inform their
relationships with others. Through his witty and insightful observations, Huxley highlights fundamental
human dilemmas and philosophical ideas that continue to resonate with readers today.

Overall, Huxley’s essay is a masterful exploration of the human condition, revealing the complexities and
contradictions of the English character and the human experience. His philosophical ideas and observations
offer a profound commentary on the human condition, and continue to inspire and provoke readers to this
day.