#141. "A Room With a View" by E.M. Forster

Throughout "A Room With a View," there is one question that E.M. Forster seeks to answer. What's the importance of being open-minded? The titular room is at a hotel that overlooks the city, allowing its inhabitants to witness the wonders of the world. For some in the wealthier division, a view isn't as important, though for the protagonist it's a chance to find their own dependence on those around her. It's a chance to experience the world and take in art and culture that is there but feels cut off. It's not because of any exclusionary practice, but because she's been taught to not pay attention to it. When she allows herself to open up and embrace the world, her identity forms and makes the view something worth investing in. 

Forster was an author who was curious about the world around him. While he centered his story on the wealthy travelers, he was critical of their ability to take anything in as they did. Because of this, there's a sense that the world is less a place to enjoy and more to observe. His language cleverly shows the divide within each character's mind, allowing off-hand remarks to show how they see the architecture and culture less as something significant and more as a hindrance. By having a protagonist who is curious to see a world beyond this and interpret art, he slowly deconstructs a European view of the world to find something grander. In the process, he's breaking free of 19th-century literature practices to help form the style of modernism. As a story of individuality, it finds small moments taking on greater meaning, suggesting a generation finding their voice.

There's a lot to take from this novel beyond the generational divide. Forster is a playful writer who challenges the reader to see the prose differently like the characters should see their environments. There are moments where he dives deep into a character's head or plays with language in ways that hold entendre. There's hallucinations and action that hides greater meaning. What he wants is for the reader to become more immersed in the potential of language to unite people. By commenting on culture, he's encouraging independent thought and developing independence both in the characters and the readers. It's an insightful book but also a rather humorous one that withstands the test of time. The characters feel real and comment on aspects of everyday life that are deserving of dusting off as things grow stagnant. The book encourages provocation, and as a result, it's one destined to linger with every read.

Forster's "A Room With a View" is a great look into how England as an identity was changing by the time of the early 20th century. After centuries of being seen as a dominant force, they must learn to cohabitate with those around them. They must stop seeing themselves as the definitive voice and learn to appreciate that view of a world that has evolved without them. It's a naive story that slowly finds confidence through symbolism and philosophical debates. The results are quite compelling and leave a lot to consider not only about England's place in history but of the readers in the world around them. One thing does not define a person. It's important to stay curious and explore at any age in order to live a fulfilling existence.