E.M. Forster, who wrote the famous novels Howards End and A Room with a View, is renowned for his works on the social class system, human relationships, and the Edwardian era. But despite his fame, many of Forster’s works remain forgotten.
Forster wrote seven novels, but only five were published in his lifetime, and there are several other works that have been largely forgotten. One of these is a novella, The Story of the Siren, written in 1912 but similarly not published until 1968. The story follows a man named Richard who falls in love with a siren, a mythical creature. The tale is a strange and whimsical one, and is said to have been inspired by Forster’s own mystical experiences.
Forster also wrote a number of short stories, many of which have been largely forgotten. They often explore themes of love, loss, and the search for identity. One of his most overlooked stories is The Other Side of the Hedge. Set in the English countryside, it follows an unnamed narrator who, on a rural walk, discovers an old hedge and decides to explore what lies beyond it. He discovers a strange new world there, and must choose between remaining or returning home.
The Other Side of the Hedge is a story of self-discovery and exploration. Forster’s writing is poetic and evocative, and his characters come alive on the page. The story is a reminder that we should never be afraid to explore the unknown, and to embrace the power of our dreams. Through his journey, the narrator is able to discover his true potential and find his place in the world.
E.M. Forster also wrote some works of non-fiction. One of the most overlooked of these is the essay What I Believe, published in 1939. In it, Forster outlines his moral and philosophical beliefs, and expresses his thoughts on the importance of human relationships. The essay is a fascinating look into the mind of a great writer.
Forster begins his essay by discussing the importance of love, particularly within the context of relationships. He argues that while love can often be a source of pain, it is also a fundamental part of life and should not be taken for granted. He goes on to discuss the role of tolerance in our relationships, stressing the importance of being understanding and accepting of those who are different from us. Forster believes having such tolerance and understanding is essential for maintaining meaningful relationships with others.
He then discusses the importance of our obligations to others and argues that we should strive to be kind and considerate to those around us, and to be willing to help when needed. He also stresses the importance of being true to ourselves, and of not allowing ourselves to be influenced by outside forces. What I Believe is a powerful essay which articulates Forster’s views on life, love, and our obligations to others. It is a timeless piece which speaks to us in a meaningful and profound way.
From strange tales of sirens to philosophical essays, these forgotten works are a great way to explore the mind of an iconic author. So if you’re looking to explore the works of E.M. Forster, don’t forget to look up his forgotten gems.