Question: What is the significance of Fielding's tea-party in A Passage to India?
Answer: While the Bridge Party is a total failure, Fielding’s tea-party is a great success. Finding the two new ladies from England—Mrs. Moore and Adela Quested—friendly toward the Indians, Fielding takes the opportunity to invite them to a tea-party at his residence. He informs them that he will invite a few others so that they can meet some Indians again in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Aziz is the first to arrive at the tea-party and soon becomes very friendly with Fielding. After the arrival of Mrs. Moore and Adela, the gathering becomes lively and enjoyable. It is an informal and unconventional party where Aziz is in his full glory. He talks at length about the past glory of the Muslims, their architecture, and many other subjects. The ladies are pleased with Aziz’s enthusiasm and sincerity. During the party, Aziz invites the guests to visit the Marabar Caves. When Adela asks him to describe the caves, Aziz is embarrassed because he has never visited them himself and cannot describe them properly.
However, the party ends on a somewhat discordant note when Ronny Heaslop arrives to take Mrs. Moore and Adela home. His rigid and official attitude creates tension and spoils the friendly atmosphere.
Fielding’s tea-party is significant in several respects. It restores what was lost at the Bridge Party—the possibility of understanding and friendship between the English and the Indians. It also marks the beginning of a genuine friendship between Aziz and Fielding, based on mutual respect and personal goodwill rather than racial or official superiority.
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