THEORY OF MIND AND NARRATIVE OPACITY IN E.M. FORSTER'S A PASSAGE TO INDIA

Abstract

This study explores E.M. Forster’s A Passage to India through the lens of Theory of Mind (ToM), which refers to the ability to understand others’ thoughts and emotions. The main aim is to examine how Forster’s characters show or fail to show this ability and how the novel’s unclear narration engages the reader’s own ToM. Using a qualitative, text-based method grounded in cognitive literary theory, especially the work of Premack and Woodruff (1978), the study closely analyzes key scenes. The findings reveal that emotional stress, cultural conflict, and colonial power structures often lead to breakdowns in understanding between characters. These failures are most visible in scenes like the Marabar Caves and the trial, where meaning becomes unclear and trust collapses. Forster’s use of narrative gaps and shifting perspectives invites the reader to fill in missing emotional cues, but also shows how difficult true understanding can be in a divided world. The study argues that Forster uses this uncertainty to highlight the failure of colonial relationships to foster real human connection. The research suggests that cognitive approaches like ToM offer new insights into how literature reflects and challenges social and political realities. This contribution deepens the understanding of both Forster’s work and the broader field of cognitive literary studies.