Another reason that it is impossible for Indians and the English to get along is their cultural mindset. There is often miscommunication between the two different races making it hard for each country to understand the other. This comes up in the novel with the different understanding of time each culture follows. When Major Callendar summons Aziz, it takes Aziz a long time to get there, even though Callendar said it was urgent. Major Callendar is angry with Aziz, but neither of them know what went wrong. It is impossible for the different cultures to understand how the other thinks because they are brought up with different beliefs.
The difference in cultural mindsets is evident during the trip to the Marabar Caves. There, Adela asks Aziz, "Have you one wife or more than one- (Forster, 169), not knowing that it is inappropriate to ask that question to an Indian. Aziz finds this question very offensive, but Adela has no idea she was wrong in asking; Adela just thought she was making good conversation. These types of misunderstandings between people from the two cultures prevent the creation of friendships.
Fielding is torn between his best friend Aziz and his own people. When Aziz is accused of assaulting Miss Quested, Fielding immediately supports Aziz. He explains his good nature and how Aziz would never commit such a crime. This makes Aziz very happy, but the English feel betrayed. The British call Fielding "seditious,"" and "anti-British- for his lack of support to his native country. When the trial is settled and Aziz is set free, Fielding takes in Adela because she is alone and fears the Indians will harm her. This pleases the English because Fielding is supporting one of their own, but it displeases Aziz. Aziz feels betrayed because he hates Adela for her false accusations, but his best friend is supporting her. Now Aziz hates all British people and he says, "My heart is for my own people- (Forster, 339).
