# XXXVII explained — A Passage to India > Chapter companion for A Passage to India by E. M. Forster. ## What happens Aziz and Fielding take their final ride through the Mau jungles, reconciling after past misunderstandings but acknowledging that their friendship cannot endure under the pressures of colonialism. They argue about politics and the future of India, with Aziz passionately declaring that the English must leave, yet ultimately suggesting that once they are gone, he and Fielding could be friends. Fielding asks why they cannot be friends now, but the landscape itself seems to answer 'No, not yet.' Aziz writes a letter of gratitude to Adela Quested, and Fielding speaks of his wife Stella's spiritual inclinations, but Aziz avoids deeper discussion. The chapter ends with their political wrangling and a sense of inevitable parting. ## Themes in this chapter ### Colonialism and Imperialism The entire ride is framed by the political argument between Aziz and Fielding about the British Empire's rudeness and the impossibility of true friendship across the colonial divide. ### Friendship Across Cultures Aziz and Fielding reconcile and trust each other, yet acknowledge that social and political forces prevent their friendship from continuing; the horses, earth, and sky say 'No, not yet.' ### Misunderstanding and Communication Fielding struggles to explain his wife's spiritual quest to Aziz, and Aziz avoids discussing it, highlighting the limits of their mutual understanding despite goodwill. ### Religion and Spirituality The chapter references Hindu temples, the Krishna festival Gokul Ashtami, and Fielding's curiosity about the spiritual side of Hinduism, while Aziz remains skeptical and dismissive. ## Character check-ins ### Dr. Aziz Rides with Fielding, writes a gracious letter to Adela, expresses nationalist fervor and desire for Indian unity, yet acknowledges the impossibility of friendship with Fielding under current conditions. ### Cyril Fielding Rides with Aziz, questions why they cannot be friends now, discusses his marriage to Stella and her spiritual interests, and reflects on the failure of the King-Emperor High School. ### Adela Quested Receives a letter from Aziz thanking her for her courage and fine behavior two years earlier, which he connects to Mrs. Moore's memory. ### Stella Fielding's wife, mentioned as having spiritual inclinations and a link to the Marabar incident, but she does not appear directly in the chapter. ### Ralph Moore Stella's brother, described as a wise boy who rides a little behind her; Fielding suggests Aziz talk to him, but Aziz declines. ### Professor Godbole Mentioned as having promised to show Fielding the school but making excuses; his spiritual influence is noted indirectly. ### Mrs. Moore Aziz connects her name with Adela in his letter, calling it 'very sacred in my mind,' indicating her lasting spiritual impact. ## Key lines > Clear out, all you Turtons and Burtons. We wanted to know you ten years back—now it's too late. Aziz tells Fielding that the British should leave India; Indians once wanted to know them, but now it is too late for friendship. _Aziz expresses the irreparable damage done by colonialism to cross-cultural relationships._ > India shall be a nation! No foreigners of any sort! Hindu and Muslim and Sikh and all shall be one! Hurrah! Hurrah for India! Hurrah! Hurrah! Aziz passionately declares his vision of a unified India free from foreign rule, embracing all religions. _This moment captures Aziz's nationalist fervor and the ideal of Indian unity, though Fielding mocks it as unrealistic._ > Why can't we be friends now? ... But the horses didn't want it—they swerved apart; the earth didn't want it ... they said in their hundred voices, 'No, not yet,' and the sky said, 'No, not there.' Fielding asks why they cannot be friends immediately, but the natural world and their circumstances seem to reject the possibility. _The novel's famous conclusion underscores the theme that true friendship across the colonial divide is impossible under current conditions._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_passage_to_india_se/chapters/xxxvii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_passage_to_india_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/a_passage_to_india_se/chapters