Question: Describe the trial scene in A Passage to India.
Answer: The trial of Dr. Aziz takes place during the intense summer heat. Still disturbed by the echo she experienced in the Marabar Caves, Adela drives to the court with the Turtons. There is clear evidence of growing anti-British feeling in Chandrapore, and the English community surrounding Adela is filled with hostility toward the Indians. However, Ronny supports the right of his deputy, Mr. Das, to preside over the court proceedings.
Inside the courtroom, the atmosphere is tense and crowded. Adela’s attention is momentarily drawn to a beautiful low-caste Indian who pulls the punkha to keep the air cool; he appears calm and almost god-like amid the chaos. Mr. McBryde presents the case for the prosecution, but the proceedings are interrupted first by a comic dispute over seating arrangements and then by demands that Mrs. Moore be allowed to testify for the defense. Mahmoud Ali leaves the court in protest, and outside the courtroom, people chant loudly, “Esmiss Esmoor.”
Even after the chanting stops, the mysterious influence of Mrs. Moore continues to dominate the courtroom. Adela is deeply affected by it. The repetition of Mrs. Moore’s name seems to break the spell that has clouded her mind since the day of the cave incident. Gradually, her sense of reality returns. As she is questioned about her visit to the caves with Aziz, her confusion and delusion disappear. She suddenly realizes that Aziz did not follow her into the cave and that she has made a mistake. Abruptly, she withdraws her accusation.
As a result, Aziz is declared innocent and released. The trial scene marks a turning point in the novel, exposing racial tensions while also demonstrating the power of truth and moral influence.
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