Monday, February 4, 2019
Biography of E. M. Forster:
Edward Morgan Forster, commonly known as E. M. Forster, was an English novelist, essayist, and short story writer. He was born on January 1, 1879, in London, England, and died on June 7, 1970. Forster is best known for his novels exploring themes of social class, relationships, and humanism.
Here is a brief biography of E. M. Forster:
E. M. Forster's Early Life:
E. M. Forster was born into an affluent and intellectually stimulating family. His father, Edward Morgan Llewellyn Forster, was an architect, and his mother, Alice Clara Whichelo, came from a family of industrialists. Young Forster grew up in a household that valued education and culture.
Education:
Forster attended Tonbridge School and later went on to King's College, Cambridge, where he studied classics. At Cambridge, he formed lasting friendships with other notable literary figures, including the members of the Bloomsbury Group, such as Virginia Woolf and Lytton Strachey.
E. M. Forster's Literary Career:
Forster's literary career began with the publication of his first novel, "Where Angels Fear to Tread," in 1905. This was followed by "The Longest Journey" (1907) and "A Room with a View" (1908). However, it was his fourth novel, "Howards End" (1910), that established him as a major literary figure.
Forster's works often dealt with the societal norms and constraints of Edwardian England, exploring themes such as individualism, social class, and the clash between personal desires and societal expectations.
Notable Works of E. M. Forster:
1. "A Room with a View" (1908): A social comedy that satirizes the manners of Edwardian society and explores the theme of self-discovery.
2. "Howards End" (1910): Considered Forster's masterpiece, this novel delves into the social, economic, and philosophical issues of early 20th-century England.
3. "A Passage to India" (1924): Set against the backdrop of British India, the novel explores the complexities of colonialism, cultural misunderstandings, and personal relationships.
4. "Maurice" (written in 1913–14, published posthumously in 1971): Forster's novel with a gay theme, exploring the challenges faced by its protagonist in a society that condemns homosexuality.
Later Life of E. M. Forster:
After "A Passage to India," Forster largely withdrew from novel writing. He focused on essays, broadcasting, and lecturing. He worked for the BBC during World War II and delivered a series of lectures on the BBC that were later published as "The BBC Talks of E. M. Forster."
Forster's posthumous novel, "Maurice," was published in 1971, a year after his death. He had completed the novel in 1914 but did not publish it during his lifetime due to the societal taboos surrounding its themes.
Legacy:
E. M. Forster's works continue to be celebrated for their insightful exploration of human relationships, societal norms, and the clash between personal and social values. His novels have been adapted into various films and television series, contributing to the enduring legacy of his literary contributions.