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i would argue though that we are talking too much about if we are connecting to characters, and that while connection is forster's theme, it's a theme among characters and not the best lens through which to view the book. i think reading through "connecting" is too sentimental. ultimately, characters aren't people, we can't meet them and like them and dislike them, they are the author's tools to make a point, and i'd rather look at how he makes that point than how i feel about characters. when i read, i dont' think my feelings are important. in high school, they would always ask, "would you like to meet this character?" and people would get really involved in answering the question and i would groan and turn back to my didion, who for some reason i constantly mention on this board (well, twice). so jasmine that doesn't exactly relate to your point but i wanted to say it, so there you go.