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Part 3, Chapter 37
Explanation and Analysis—Ronny & Fielding:
Ronny Heaslop and Cyril Fielding are foils for each other, as they differ in almost every respect. Ronny wants to marry Adela, whereas Fielding makes a "case against marriage" and sees it as something that limits his freedom. Ronny only seems sympathetic but is later revealed to be prejudiced and unkind to Indians. By contrast, Fielding is independent and open-minded and believes in treating Indians like peers. This separates him from the other British expats who condescend to them. When Mrs. Moore says that the English are "out here to be pleasant," Ronny challenges her, while Fielding actually makes an effort to be not only pleasant but to be friends with the Indians.
In contrast to Ronny's coldness, the novel's final passage, in Part 3, Chapter 37, shows Fielding's sincere wish to be friends with Aziz:
“Why can’t we be friends now?” said the other, holding him affectionately. “It’s what I want. It’s what you want.”
The very reason they cannot be friends, Aziz asserts, is that the British have not yet left India. Fielding seems disappointed by Aziz's refusal and continues to ask to be his friend. However, the presence of people like Ronny prevents friendships between the English and Indians. So, according to Aziz, as long as England maintains a colonial presence in India, there will be no closeness or comradery between the two sets of citizens. The contrast between Ronny and Fielding demonstrates the vast range of English responses to being in colonial India and explains why Aziz refuses to befriend Fielding.
Related Themes:
