A Passage To India - How far and in what ways does Fielding counteract the behaviour of the

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Hannah West 12MRB                                                                                  English CRF

How far and in what ways does Fielding counteract the behaviour of the “herd”? What does Fielding’s actions suggest about his Character?

        The term “herd” suggests the idea that humans gather together to protect themselves like animals. The English respond to the assault upon Miss Quested in a similar way to this idea of the “herd”. It is easier, in this case, to act as a “herd” and stick to the majority of the English, instead of striking out and finding justice, for poor Aziz who has been wrongly convicted. Despite the uproar which will be created, Fielding goes against his cultural background to fight for justice for Aziz. This is best suggested by “oh no, no, but not Aziz…not Aziz”. This outburst of emotion expresses Fielding’s qualified judgement of character. At first he is shocked, but then it sinks in and he realises that it is simply not in Aziz’s character, to perform an act of sexual assault. This judgement instantly creates a barrier between Fielding and the newly forming “herd” because of his genuine wish for Aziz to receive justice.

        Fielding quickly assumes that there has to be something wrong with Miss Quested as he is so reassured that Aziz’s nature could not commit this deplorable crime. This can be identified by “Then she’s mad”. This fast appraisal of the situation, which has just been portrayed to Fielding, immediately dismisses him, as he again betrays the “herd” and doesn’t act like the superior white male. This again shows that Fielding is counteracting the behaviour of the “herd” and providing a barrier due to his better judgement. Being a teacher he can quickly make this assumption as working with all ages. He can tell who is mischievous and who isn’t. Fielding’s genuine concern for Aziz shows his loyalty and friendship, that he will go against a group, which could possibly land him in prison. He would rather stand up for what he believes is right than be a racist like the rest of the English.

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         A different approach is then taken by Fielding to get to the core of the subject, to really judge what has happened and prove Aziz’s innocence. Evidence for this is “I must ask you to forgive me. I cannot believe that Dr Aziz is guilty”. The remark aggravates the collector profusely as the behaviour Fielding has just displayed would be shown as “a poor show” as it is again not how the “herd” expect him to react. Fielding is simply stating the same statement, but in a more approachable way, in order to provoke sympathy for the case of Aziz. ...

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