My Own Centenary by EM Foster || Summary || BA Second Year || Essay || TU

EM Forster's "My Own Centenary" is an autobiographical essay in which he reflects on his life and work as he approaches his hundredth birthday. The essay is structured around a series of memories and musings that highlight key moments and themes in his life.

Forster begins by reflecting on his childhood and upbringing, describing his parents and their influence on his development as a writer. He then discusses his early literary career, including his first novel, "Where Angels Fear to Tread," and his experiences teaching at a school in Alexandria, Egypt.

The essay then turns to Forster's personal life, including his relationships with his mother and with his partner, Bob Buckingham. Forster writes openly about his homosexuality, describing the challenges he faced in a society that was not accepting of his sexuality.

Throughout the essay, Forster also reflects on the role of the writer in society, discussing the ways in which literature can both reflect and challenge prevailing cultural norms. He discusses his own attempts to navigate this tension in his work, particularly in his novel "A Passage to India."

Forster also reflects on the changes he has witnessed over the course of his long life, including the rise of technology and the impact it has had on society. He expresses concern about the ways in which technology can be used to control and manipulate people.

Overall, "My Own Centenary" is a thoughtful and introspective essay in which Forster reflects on his life and work with honesty and insight. Through his reflections, he provides a glimpse into the mind of one of the great writers of the 20th century.