Outlook on the EM Foster’s Psychology Concerning English and Indian Character

Laraib Fatima Niazi

Vol-10,Issue-1,January - February 2025

Author: Laraib Fatima Niazi

Keywords: Attribution bias, Cultural psychology, English character, Forster, Self-fulfilling prophecy

Abstract: This article critically examines EM Forster’s psychological perspective as reflected in his essays Notes on the English Character and The Mind of the Indian State. By exploring his admitted reliance on psychology—despite limited knowledge in politics, economics, and science—the study argues that Forster’s depiction of the English and Indian characters is significantly influenced by self-fulfilling prophecy and attribution bias. The analysis demonstrates that while Forster extols the virtues of the English national character, his portrayals of the Indian character are laden with negative stereotypes. In doing so, Forster not only reinforces his ingroup favouritism but also overlooks the complex interplay of environmental and individual factors in shaping cultural identity. Contemporary studies on intercultural interactions and cultural psychology are drawn upon to contextualize his bias. The findings challenge the impartiality of Forster’s assessments and invite a reappraisal of his work from a more balanced psychological standpoint.

Article Info: Received: 30 Dec 2024; Received in revised form: 03 Feb 2025; Accepted: 07 Feb 2025; Available online: 10 Feb 2025

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.101.18