Maurice by E. M. Forster is lauded for its ahead-of-its-time LGBTQ+ themes and rich character development. Readers appreciate its deep emotional resonance and critique of societal norms, though some find the pacing slow and the narrative slightly dated. Despite this, it remains a significant work for its brave exploration of love and identity.

Readers who will enjoy Maurice by E. M. Forster typically appreciate early 20th-century literature, LGBTQ+ themes, and social critique. Similar readers also gravitate toward works like Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh and A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood, which share similar themes and cultural contexts.

In E. M. Forster's Maurice, Maurice Hall navigates his feelings and relationships from adolescence to adulthood in early 20th-century England, marked by his pivotal friendship and romantic involvement with Clive Durham, his subsequent depression and search for a "cure," and his eventual fulfilling connection with gamekeeper Alec Scudder, transcending societal norms and personal turmoil. The book deals with themes of homosexuality and mental health struggles.

Romantic / Contemplative / Emotional / Bittersweet / Challenging

E. M. Forster

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Maurice and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Maurice Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-5

Maurice Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-11

Maurice Part 1, Chapters 6-11 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 12-19

Maurice Part 2, Chapters 12-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 20-25

Maurice Part 2, Chapters 20-25 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 26-32

Maurice Part 3, Chapters 26-32 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 33-37

Maurice Part 3, Chapters 33-37 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 38-46

Maurice Part 4, Chapters 38-46 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Maurice Character Analysis

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Themes

Maurice Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Maurice Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Maurice Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Maurice Essay Topics

Maurice

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Maurice?

Reading Age

Book Details