A Passage to India Trivia Quiz

Answer: E.M. Forster

E.M. Forster was an English novelist. The book was published in 1924. In writing this novel, he drew from his personal experiences while in India. He stuck to his themes of exploring social class division while trying to maintain a balance without favoring the British or the Indians. Forster had much input on who would get theater rights and repeatedly refused turning the novel into a feature film. Santha Rama Rau wrote the play in 1956.

It was not until after the author's death and other events that David Lean was finally chosen to direct the film which was released in 1984.

Answer: 1920s

Interestingly, the novel "A Passage to India" was published in 1924 and based on the 1920s. The novel and film are both set during the time of British rule in the Indian region, later to become India. That period of time was called the British Raj, meaning "rule" in Hindi. This was a time where cultures were trying to co-exist and take shape as a society.

Answer: Attempted rape

On a caving exploration, one of the female characters accused her Indian guide of attempted rape. She and the man had feelings for each other, but it was not something they could comfortably address given the times and cultural differences.

Answer: Marabar Caves

The Marabar Caves are the fictional caves in the movie. Mrs. Moore and Adela Quested are two British women that have only seen the Indian region through British eyes, full of social gatherings, polo and tea. They insist on seeing the remote areas of the region and begin an excursion led by a native of the area, Dr. Aziz. Mrs. Moore becomes ill inside the caves, but not wanting to stop the excursion, encourages Dr. Aziz to continue with Adela and one other guide.

The Marabar Caves are based on the real Barabar Caves in Bihar, India although actual filming was primarily at other locations.

Answer: Judy Davis

Australian actress, Judy Davis, played the role of Adela Quested. She and Mrs. Moore went on an exploration of caves led by Dr. Aziz. Adela wrongfully accused Dr. Aziz of attempted rape.

Judy Davis received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress with this role but the award went to Sally Field for her role as Edna Spalding in "Places in the Heart".

Answer: Peggy Ashcroft

Peggy Ashcroft was a British actress. She played Mrs. Moore, the mother of the magistrate of the fictional city Chandrapore. She believed in Dr. Aziz's innocence and would not testify against him. She died during her return voyage to England. Peggy was nominated for and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress with this role.

She also won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for the same role as well as other minor nominations and awards.

Answer: Exonerated

Much to the dismay of her friends and the British people in general, Adele clears Dr. Aziz in court by changing her story. The Indian people carry the good doctor from the courtroom. Relationships were changed, some later mended but irrevocably damaged.

Answer: Dr. Aziz

Victor Banerjee played Dr. Aziz. He was the man ill-accused of a crime by Adela. Victor has acted in Hindu, Bengali and English films and in Indian television series. He was also the first president of Indian National Congress and does some work with unions and human rights.

Answer: The Sound of Music

David Lean won Academy Awards for Best Director for "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Bridge on the River Kwai". He was nominated for the award for his work with "Doctor Zhivago" in 1965, but Robert Wise won it for "The Sound of Music". He was also nominated for "A Passage to India", "Summertime", "Great Expectations" and "Brief Encounter".

Answer: Best Music (Original Score): Maurice Jarre

Although nominated for eleven awards, "A Passage to India" won two Academy Awards for Best Music and Best Actress in a Supporting Role.