E. M. Forster’s Pharos and Pharillon is not a novel but a prose work that explores the history and culture of Alexandria, portraying the city’s identity through the interplay of antiquity and modernity. The opening describes the island where the Pharos lighthouse once stood, linking its geographical shifts with both myth and history. Tales of Menelaus’s wandering and the presence of Greeks, Jews, and Arabs highlight the city’s layered character. The narrative goes beyond historical record, weaving in personal reflection and philosophical thought. Ultimately, the work shows how remnants of the past continue to shape present culture and life, offering a renewed vision of Alexandria.
