Summary: Chapter VII
In every remark [Aziz] found a meaning,
but not always the true meaning, and his life though vivid was largely
a dream.
See Important Quotations Explained
Fielding’s many worldly experiences keep him from being
insensitive toward Indians like the rest of the English are. The
English mildly distrust Fielding, partly out of suspicion of his
efforts to educate Indians as individuals. Fielding also makes offhand
comments that distress the English, such as his remark that “whites”
are actually “pinko-grey.” Still, Fielding manages to remain friendly
with the men at the English club while also socializing with Indians.
Aziz arrives at Fielding’s for tea as Fielding is dressing.
Though the two men have never met, they treat each other informally,
which delights Aziz. Fielding breaks the collar stud for his shirt,
but Aziz quickly removes his own and gives it to Fielding. The relations between
the two men sour only briefly when Aziz misinterprets Fielding’s
dismissive comment about a new school of painting to be dismissive
of Aziz himself.
Aziz is disappointed when Mrs. Moore and Adela arrive,
as their presence upsets the intimacy of his conversation with Fielding.
The party continues to be informal, though, even with the women present.
Aziz feels comfortable addressing the women as he would address
men, as Mrs. Moore is so elderly and Adela so plain looking.
The ladies are disappointed and confused because the Bhattacharyas
never sent their carriage this morning as promised. Adela pronounces
it a “mystery,” but Mrs. Moore disagrees—mysteries she likes, but
this is a “muddle.” Fielding pronounces all India a muddle. Aziz
denounces the rudeness of the Hindu Bhattacharyas and invites the
women to his own house. To Aziz’s horror, Adela takes his invitation
literally and asks for his address. Aziz is ashamed of his shabby
residence and distracts Adela with commentary on Indian architecture.
Fielding knows that Aziz has some historical facts wrong, but Fielding
does not correct Aziz as other Englishmen would have. At the moment
Fielding recognizes “truth of mood” over truth of fact.
The last of Fielding’s guests, the Hindu professor Godbole, arrives.
Aziz asks Adela if she plans to settle in India, to which Adela spontaneously
responds that she cannot. Adela then realizes that, in making this
admission, she has essentially told strangers that she will not
marry Ronny before she has even told Ronny so herself. Adela’s words
fluster Mrs. Moore. Fielding then takes Mrs. Moore on a tour of
the college grounds.
Adela again mentions the prospect of visiting Aziz’s house,
but Aziz invites her to the Marabar Caves instead. Aziz attempts
to describe the caves, but it becomes clear that Aziz has never
seen them. Godbole has been to the caves, but he does not adequately describe
why they are extraordinary; in fact, Aziz senses that Godbole is
holding back information. Suddenly, Ronny arrives to take Adela
and his mother to a polo match at the club. Ronny ignores the Indians.
Aziz becomes excitable and overly intimate in reaction to Ronny’s
rude interruption. Fielding reappears, and Ronny privately scolds
him for leaving Adela alone with Indians.
