Sunday, January 3, 2010

Caves

"Except for the Marabar Caves - and they are twenty miles off - the city of Chandrapore presents nothing extraordinary" This is the very first sentence in this books and it is true to its word. From the very beginning, E.M. Forster hinted that the second section of this book, Caves, would be the most exciting and intriguing section of this book. Upon entering the Marabar Caves, Dr. Aziz and Miss Stella undergo a "bonding" experience, although it was not for the best. While exploring the caves, Miss Stella begins to question her love for her soon-to-be husband and wonders if she is doing it for the right reasons; in fact, she begins to wonder what are the "right" reasons for marrying someone. At the moment, all love that she may have had for her fiance has been replaced by disgust at his opinions and treatment of Indians. how ironic, considering the treatment that she causes Dr. Aziz to suffer throughout this section.
It was apparent from the beginning of this section that Miss Stella had a fear for these caves, which only amplified once she became lost in them. Dr. Aziz, now realizing that she has gotten herself lost in the Marbar Caves, goes back in to rescue her from herself, really, but pays for his kindness in the end. After finding her way out of the caves, but not before suffering scratches and bruises, Miss Stella becomes delusional and accuses Dr. Aziz of raping her; what a climax. Dr. Aziz suffers harsh conditions and unkind treatment from the British while imprisoned until Miss Stella finally comes to her senses and explains that the whole situation never occurred. Unfortunately, the damage has already been done. Dr. Aziz has lost all trust and "affection" for the British. In his eyes, they could never live together in harmony.

Food For Thought

  1. Do you think that Dr. Aziz's hate for the British will continue throughout the remainder of the story?
  2. Do you think there is some other motive or idea behind Dr. Aziz's refusal to read the letters sent to him?
  3. What do you predict will transpire throughout the remainder of the story. Now that we have reached our climax, all that is left should be a downward spiral, right?
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2 comments:

  1. bazketballgreatJanuary 10, 2010 at 4:00 PM

    It's hard to say, because Dr. Aziz was treated brutally for helping a British woman. I think that he will have trouble ever forgiving the British at the end.

    I think the tension between the British and Indians will decrease, something will occur that will lighten the feelings between all parties.

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 13, 2010 at 12:44 PM

    I don't believe so. I believe that Dr. Aziz will being that Mr. Fielding and his relationship has grown. Becaus he understands Mr. Fielding's companionship, Aziz will understand that not all English are horrid.

    In a way I feel that Dr. Aziz has become jealous of Mr. Fielding. I think he feels hurt that Mr. Fielding did not go with his feelings and ignore Miss Quested's offer of friendship.

    I don't believe that there will be a constant downfall in the remainder of the story. I think Dr. Aziz will grow to see that Mr. Fielding was not wrong and I believe that they will definently reconcile. I believe that Miss Quested will become more empowered now that she is free from the pressures of Miss Derek, Mr. Heaslop, Mr. Callendar, Mrs. Callender, the Turton family and the Indian enviornment in general.

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