The tripartite structure of A Passage to India
accomplishes a number of objectives that unify the novel. Each of the three sections
functions in at least four ways:
The first division,
"Mosque," is set in the spring (cool weather) and focuses primarily on the Muslim
characters. The atmosphere is calm with an emphasis on reason. Consider the conversation
among Aziz and his friends at the dinner party.
Part II,
"Caves," takes place in the heat of summer, and emotions are high. Behavior is
irrational as the British make bizarre accusations against
Aziz.
In the third section, "Temple," the focus is on
rebirth and rejuvenation in the rainy fall season as the Hindus celebrate love and the
birth of Krishna. Conflict is mostly resolved.
Forster
covers three seasons with different kinds of weather, the three main groups in India at
the time, and three kinds of behavior with the structure of his novel. This approach
provides a unified balance to his treatment of setting, characters, and
ideas.
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