Introduction
In his remarkable work, Howards End, E.M. Forster delves into the social, economic, and philosophical forces that shaped early 20th-century England. Within its pages, readers encounter three distinct groups: the Schlegel family, embodying idealism and intellect among the upper classes; the pragmatic and materialistic Wilcox family; and the Bast family, representing the aspirations of the lower classes. Through their lives, the novel vividly portrays the clash between different social strata and their unique ways of life during this transformative era. Forster posits that life’s purpose is merely a struggle for survival and monetary gain; he also hints at a deeper meaning beyond the pursuit of wealth. Through a rich tapestry of characters and social classes, Howards End offers a captivating exploration of the social, economic, and philosophical dynamics at play in early 20th-century England, ultimately suggesting a blending of classes that necessitates shared adaptation.
Themes, Characters, and Quotes
The novel’s themes of social, economic, and philosophical forces unravel through a complicated and carefully intertwined storyline. Leonard Bast, a penniless insurance clerk who sets his hopes on books to rescue him from the devastation of his social and economic conditions, intertwines the fortunes of the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes. Helen Schlegel has a brief relationship with Paul Wilcox, and the death of Mrs. Wilcox drives her to persuade her husband to leave Howards End to Margaret. On the other hand, Henry Wilcox and his son Charles dismiss the matter, purposefully keeping it from Margaret (Forster 72). Margaret, who has formed an unexpected friendship with Mrs. Wilcox, is surprised by her delight when Henry proposes to her.
Margaret is anxious about her sister and, inventing a plan to surprise her at Howards End, travels to Germany with Helen. The tale finishes with Margaret, Henry, Helen, and Leonard’s child settling together at Howards End, where they gradually form bonds and learn to befriend one another (Forster 72). This resolution emphasizes the idea that England’s socioeconomic strata are blending, becoming unrecognizable from their old differences, and that they must adapt to establish a common future.
Class Conflict and the Schlegel
At the heart of the novel lies a prominent theme: the conflict arising from disparate classes and ways of life in England during this period. Through the lens of the Schlegel family, readers can appreciate the intellectual and idealistic upper classes of England, who are driven by the pursuit of knowledge and the attainment of cultural refinement (Forster 66). In Howards End, Margaret Schlegel asks, “Do personal relations lead to sloppiness in the end?” (Forster 29). This quote speaks to the Schlegel family’s intellectual aspect, which values personal relationships over materialistic, pragmatic concerns.
Margaret’s question suggests a tension between the Schlegel family’s idealistic values and the practical demands of daily life. The quote also suggests that the Schlegels are aware of this tension and grapple with reconciling their values with the demands of the world around them. Ultimately, this tension is at the heart of the novel’s exploration of broader social and philosophical themes, which revolve around the conflict between different classes and different ways of life in England at the time.
Materialism of the Wilcox Family
On the other hand, the Wilcox family epitomizes pragmatism and materialism, embodying the fast-paced, capitalist mindset of the modern era. For example, the phrase “Wilcoxes were so competent, and seemed to have their hands on all the ropes” describes the Wilcox family as being competent and in control of all the important aspects of life (Forster 29). This reflects the Wilcox family’s pragmatic and materialistic values, which highly emphasize success and wealth. In the novel, the Wilcox family is portrayed as being in contrast to the intellectual and idealistic Schlegel family, which values personal relationships and culture over material success. The citation suggests that the Wilcox family’s success comes from their ability to control all aspects of their lives and their willingness to put material success above other values.
Aspirations of the Bast Family
Lastly, the Bast family represents the aspirations and yearning for betterment among the lower classes, who struggle to make ends meet and carve out a better life for themselves. For example, Margaret Schlegel tells Mr. Bast that “No professional athlete would have attempted what … [he’s] done” (Forster 129). Namely, Margaret tells Leonard that he has taken on too much responsibility and that his financial situation is precarious.
The quote suggests that the Bast family is struggling financially and that Leonard is trying to improve his situation through hard work. Margaret sees Leonard as a sympathetic figure and wants to help him. She also recognizes that his situation is difficult and that there are limits to what she can do. The quote is significant because it highlights the social and economic struggles faced by the lower classes in England at the time and the difficulty of lifting oneself in a society dominated by materialism and commerce.
Forster masterfully dissects the social, economic, and philosophical powers that influenced England during the early 20th century through the interactions and conflicts of these three groups. The novel suggests that life is but a struggle for survival and subsistence, as each labors tirelessly for financial security (Forster 98). However, it also posits that money cannot define one’s existence and that other things in life are equally, if not more, important than wealth. Through the various relationships and experiences of the characters, it can be seen how love, compassion, and empathy can transcend social class and financial status, and bring people together in a world that is often divided by these very factors.
In Howards End, Forster crafts a compelling ensemble of characters, each representing distinct social classes and facets of English life during the early 20th century. Margaret Schlegel, the novel’s central protagonist, embodies the intellectual essence of the Schlegel family. Her unwavering dedication to personal connections exemplifies and advocates for the idealistic and intellectual values held by her kin.
On the other hand, Henry Wilcox personifies the pragmatic traits of the materialistic Wilcox family, adhering to conventional social morality (Forster 68). Leonard Bast, the impoverished insurance clerk, symbolizes the lower classes’ aspirations and unwavering desire for upward mobility. Lastly, Helen Schlegel captures the passionate and idealistic spirit that characterizes her family, fervently pursuing art, literature, and human relationships. As their paths intertwine throughout the novel, their intricate relationships mirror the broader social and economic conflicts prevalent in England during that time.
The novel’s exploration of character is closely tied to its analysis of broader social and philosophical topics. Through Margaret, the novel explores the idea of personal relations and their value in a world increasingly dominated by the forces of commerce and materialism. Through Henry, the novel explores the importance of convention and social morality, which he sees as necessary to maintain order and societal stability. Through Leonard, the novel explores the aspirations of the lower classes and their struggle to lift themselves. Finally, through Helen, the novel explores the idealistic and passionate side of life, which is often at odds with society’s practical and pragmatic demands. Taken together, these characters and their relationships reflect England’s broader social and economic conflicts in the early 20th century and offer a nuanced and complex portrait of a changing society.
Symbolism is also used extensively throughout the narrative. The mansion of Howards End, for example, comes to symbolize England as a whole, and the issue of “Who shall inherit England?” is symbolically centered on each character’s relationship to Howards End (Forster 95). Furthermore, the novel investigates the symbolic meaning of various items and ideas, such as money (Forster 100). The novel frequently juxtaposes the seen alongside the unseen, the tangible, material world of the Wilcoxes with the whimsical, spiritual realm of the Schlegels, posing an opportunity that the cosmos eventually has no significance and that all of life consists of an effort for subsistence, symbolized by toil for cash. This is the basis of Helen’s insight during Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony recital in Chapter 5, when she envisions goblins walking throughout the earth, observing that humans are unremarkable.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Howards End examines the economic, political, and metaphysical forces at work in England throughout the early twentieth century through a complicated ensemble of individuals representing many social groups and areas of English society. The novel shows the conflict between distinct classes and various methods of living in England at the time, hinting that England’s classes were mixing beyond recognition and would be forced to adapt to a single England. The novel’s character examination is inextricably linked to its investigation of bigger societal and philosophical concerns, and its use of metaphor adds complexity and richness to the story. Howards End strongly reflects the forces influencing England now through its rich and complex depiction of a changing society.
Work Cited
Forster, E. M. Howards End. BoD – Books on Demand, 2022.