A Passage to India has numerous examples of cultural division pertaining to race and racial relations. It was not uncommon or surprising to have seen a cultural divide between British inhabitants and Indians. The sentiment of the time period is reflected in the attitude of the characters toward “orientals”, but also the text is utlized as a commentary to denigrate the stereotypes surrounding this group of people. 

“You’re superior to them, anyway. Don’t forget that. You’re superior to everyone in India except one or two of the Ranis, and they’re on an equality.” (Location 615, Kindle eBook)

This quote from Mrs. Turton epitomizes the common mindset of a great deal of Englishwomen within the text and in reality during this time period. This is a reflection of the cultural rhetoric that contributes to negative stereotypes perpetuating the notion of “orientalism”.