The Godbole Connection

Of all the characters in A Passage to India, Professor Godbole is perhaps the most perplexing. This aloof and mysterious individual, who makes only a limited number of appearances in the text, may at first seem remarkably disconnected from the world around him. However, when one takes a deeper look into the nature of Professor Godbole, a powerful connection can be found between him and that abstract thing called human nature. Godbole possesses an almost transcendental mindset that gives him a kind of quasi-divine nature. When approached or confronted by outside forces and individuals the Professor maintains a constant collectedness, which remains a powerful barrier to shield his inner thoughts from those outside.

In chapter seven the Professor makes his first appearance. The passage goes as follows: "The Brahman...took his tea at a little distance from the outcasts, from a low table placed slightly behind him, to which he stretched back, and as it were encountered food by accident...He wore a Turban that looked like pale purple macaroni, coat, waistcoat, dhoti, socks with clocks. The clocks matched the turban, and his whole appearance suggested harmony - as if he had reconciled the products of East and West, mental as well as physical and could never be discomposed. The ladies were interested in him...But he only ate - ate and ate, never letting his eyes catch sight of his hand" (72-73).

This entrance scene is vastly important as an illustration of Godbole's behavior, specifically his silent messages and purposful misdirections. The taking of his tea near outcasts illustrates is unconcern regarding most social conventions, but the taking of his tea alone is even more telling. In a way the professor is telling the others gathered that he does not share their need to be social, a point further supported by his relative aloofness. Godbole's encounter with the food, while appearing accidental, was far from it. The professor made a deliberate choice to position himself away from conventionally desirable locations, while allowing food to be accessible. It can almost be believed that Professor Godbole arrived mostly to eat and drink his fill. Close attention should be paid to the fact that he never let himself look at his hands. This small detail was crucial to his subtle scheme to appear behaving without giving much thought to his actions, which in fact were extremely tactical. In this way Godbole can behave in any manner he so pleases without offending anyone, a master of social interaction. Rather than being seen as anti-social, Godbole has actually reached a point in his development that sets him above petty posturing and small talk.

Godbole's social prowess does not end there, however. The Professor also has a potent understanding of aesthetics which he demonstrates through his attire. The blending of eastern and western clothing is yet another crucial piece of his total image. Combining a mystic look with seemingly unconcerned behavioral patterns confronts the others members of the gathering with something alien and not easily understood. In this way Godbole subtly manipulates the situation and all those involved in order to produce a desired effect...simply being left alone to eat some food until he decides to join in conversation.

Godbole may seem remote and disconnected to the undiscerning. The opposite is true however, as it would be impossible for the Professor to make such subtle and cunning decisions without a firm knowledge of human behavior. Godbole is very much connected to those around him, so connected in fact that he communicates without even addressing them. The irony is that most don't even realize they respond to his hidden signals.