Character Analysis
Mrs. Moore
Mrs. Moore, endowed by nature with an understanding heart, is steeped in Christian tradition. Apparently it has served her well in England. In India, where the problems are more complex, she finds it inadequate. And although her innate sympathy with many of the tenets of Hinduism is indicated — her appreciation of all of God's creation, for example — that religion is also inadequate for her: While Professor Godbole withdraws peacefully into himself from human turmoil, Mrs. Moore's own withdrawal is far from peaceful. Therefore she may be somewhat disappointing to the reader; she brings to India everything that is needed — kindness and the "understanding heart" — but she turns morose and peevish. She refuses to become involved in helping Adela or Aziz in their time of need. She has, however, imparted her understanding nature to her younger children and has left an indelible mark upon Aziz; and, at the trial, it is her chanted name that helps to clarify Adela's mind.