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Analysis: Forster's depiction of Italy

From reading Where Angels Fear to Tread one might conclude that Forster had an intimate knowledge of the Italian culture he describes. However, the author himself admits that that is not the case: "What's so remarkable is my own temerity. For I placed Gino firmly in his society although I knew nothing about it." (Stallybrass, 8) Forster purposely uses certain widely known clichés about Italy. Thus, the reader is - on a certain level - familiar with the Italian society that is described, because he is familiar with the stereotypes that Forster presents. Such clichés are for instance the romantic fascination with the natural beauty of Italy and the vital joy of living of its inhabitants.

The author uses Italy as a convenient backdrop to shed light on the seeming sterility and lack of passion of English morals and values. Italy, by contrast, exudes a primal passion and sensuous savagery that, while not "superior" to English ways, is nonetheless irresistible to restless hearts. Perhaps the most striking difference between the culture of Monteriano and of Sawston is the role and position of women. English society is portrayed as being matriarchal: it is Mrs. Herriton, and not a male character, who dominates Sawston. Monteriano, on the other hand, is pictured as being a patriarchal society -- it is the latter, with hot-blooded, passionate men exuding an unrestrained masculinity, that attract Lilia and later, Caroline. In the end, Forster's book sheds light on the predicament of the West: Its values and beliefs may be well-thought out and "civilized," but virtue and civilization, order and decency come at a price: a lack of passion. The reader is left to ponder, what matters most: Truth or passion?

Another important aspect of this novel that must be explored is the importance of allowing oneself the freedom and opportunity to express emotions and feelings. Philip, the main character of the novel, is a key example of this throughout the novel. The physical exchange between himself and Gino makes Philip feel alive and begin to appreciate life more. This emotional outburst from Gino is something to be admired, because he is in touch with his emotions and therefore not restrained. On the contrary, Harriet, who has spent her entire life bottling her emotions, literally loses her mind when she actually begins to feel an overwhelming human emotion, in this case guilt.

Literature

• Forster, E.M., Where Angels Fear to Tread, ed. by Oliver Stallybrass (London, 1975).
• Winkgens, Meinhard, ’Die Funktionalisierung des Italienbildes in den Romanen "Where Angels Fear to Tread" von E.M. Forster und "The Lost Girl" von D.H. Lawrence’, Arcadia, 21 (1986), 41-61..