A Passage to India: Top Ten Quotes

"Conversation and billiards stopped, faces stiffened. It was the Anthem of the Army of Occupation. It reminded every member of the club that he or she was British and in exile. It produced a little sentiment and a useful accession of will-power."

The English in their club react to the playing of the National Anthem. Chapter 3

"Here we are, and we're going to stop, and the country's got to put up with us, gods or no gods."

Ronny's remarks to his mother about the presence of the British in India. Chapter 5

"'Do not come to me only. Multiply yourself into a hundred Krishnas, and let one go to each of my hundred companions, but one, O Lord of the Universe, come to me.' He refuses to come."

Professor Godbole explains the religious song he has just sung. Chapter 7

"Nothing is inside them, they were sealed up before the creation of pestilence or treasure; if mankind grew curious and excavated, nothing, nothing would be added to the sum of good or evil."

A description of the unsealed chambers in the Marabar Hills. Chapter 12

"I have never known anything but disaster result when English people and Indians attempt to be intimate socially."

Mr. Turton's views on relations between the English and the Indians. Chapter 17

"Great is information, and she shall prevail."

Fielding expresses his faith that the uncovering of facts will lead to the truth in the case involving Aziz. Chapter 20

"Esmiss Moore, Esmiss Moore."

The chant by the Indians that transforms the name of Mrs. Moore into something that sounds like a Hindu goddess. Chapter 24

"Facts are facts, and everyone would learn of Mrs. Moore's death in the morning. But it struck him that people are not really dead until they are felt to be dead. As long as there is some misunderstanding about them, they possess a sort of immortality."

Fielding's thoughts after Aziz refuses to believe that Mrs. Moore is dead. Chapter 27

"But the clock struck midnight, and simultaneously the rending note of the conch broke forth, followed by the trumpeting of elephant; all who had packets of powder threw them at the altar, and in the rosy dust and incense, and clanging and shouts, Infinite Love took upon itself the form of SHRI KRISHNA, and saved the world."

The climactic moment of the Hindu festival at Mau. Chapter 33

"The buildings of Venice, like the mountains of Crete and the fields of Egypt, stood in the right place, whereas in poor India everything was placed wrong."

Fielding's thoughts after he has left India. Chapter 32