Chapter 28

Mrs. Moore is buried at sea. Lady Mellanby, who was Mrs. Moore's traveling companion, finds the death an irritation which spoils her return voyage home. In India, a legend arises about Mrs. Moore, suggesting that the British had her murdered because she tried to save Aziz. Ronny is angry about this false claim concerning his mother. He does, however, feel guilty, for he knows that he has treated her badly. He also decides he cannot marry Adela, for it would surely ruin his career.

In this chapter, Forster presents three different attitudes about Mrs. Moore's death. Lady Mellanby finds it an inconvenience. Ronny is made to feel guilty about it, for he had wanted his mother to return to England before the trial; to alleviate his guilt, he plans to have a tombstone erected for her in a church in England, even though she has been buried at sea. The reaction of the Indians to Mrs. Moore's death is to create a legend about her. They believe that she was murdered by the British for trying to help Aziz. As a result, they revere her.

It is not surprising that the arrogant Ronny wants to call off the marriage to Adela. He is horrified at her scandalous behavior. Additionally, he has never openly shown any real love for her; he was going to marry her merely as a matter of convenience. Now, however, he is afraid that she may ruin his career, so he plans to cancel the engagement.

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