Howards End

By E.M. Forster

E.M. Forster’s “Howards End” is a novel that explores the clash between the upper and middle classes in Edwardian England. Through its use of vivid imagery, complex characters, and intricate plotting, the novel offers a powerful critique of the social and economic forces that shaped early 20th-century Britain. From the symbolic significance of the titular country house to the lyrical prose that brings its characters to life, “Howards End” is a masterpiece of modernist literature that continues to captivate readers today.

Themes 📚

1. Class Conflict: “Howards End” portrays the tension and conflict between the upper and middle classes in Edwardian England, highlighting the unfairness and hypocrisy of social hierarchies.
2. Connection to Nature: Forster emphasizes the importance of a connection to nature as a source of rejuvenation and a means of accessing deeper truths and insights.
3. Gender and Women’s Roles: The novel explores the restrictive gender roles of its time, highlighting the limited options available to women in terms of education, career, and personal fulfillment.
4. The Power of Art: Through the character of Margaret Schlegel, Forster emphasizes the transformative power of art and culture, and the importance of engaging with the world through creative expression.
5. Individualism vs. Collectivism: Forster grapples with the tension between individualism and collectivism, suggesting that both are necessary for a healthy society, but that too much emphasis on one can lead to destructive consequences.
6. The Search for Meaning: “Howards End” is ultimately a novel about the search for meaning and connection in an often confusing and alienating world, suggesting that the key to fulfillment lies in finding a sense of purpose and belonging beyond mere material success.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Symbolism: The title itself is a symbol of the conflict between the traditional and modern values of England. The house symbolizes the old, aristocratic way of life, while the Schlegels represent the modern, cosmopolitan world.
2. Foreshadowing: The novel is full of hints and clues that something important is going to happen. For example, the mention of the phrase “only connect” in the first chapter foreshadows the importance of human connection in the novel.
3. Irony: Forster uses irony throughout the novel to comment on the absurdity of certain social norms and the characters’ actions. For example, the fact that the wealthy Wilcoxes are actually less happy and fulfilled than the middle-class Schlegels is an ironic commentary on class divisions.
4. Imagery: Forster uses vivid imagery to create a sense of place and atmosphere, from the lush gardens of Howards End to the bustling streets of London.
5. Metaphor: Forster uses metaphor to highlight important themes and ideas. For example, the idea of England as a “pagan island” is a metaphor for the country’s deep connection to its natural landscape.
6. Motif: The repeated use of certain images or ideas, such as the idea of the “wisp” or the “echo,” creates a sense of coherence and unity throughout the novel.
7. Allusion: Forster makes reference to various literary, historical, and cultural figures and events throughout the novel, adding depth and complexity to his characters and themes.
8. Point of view: The novel is narrated from multiple perspectives, allowing the reader to gain insight into the thoughts and motivations of each character.
9. Irony: Forster uses irony throughout the novel to comment on the absurdity of certain social norms and the characters’ actions. For example, the fact that the wealthy Wilcoxes are actually less happy and fulfilled than the middle-class Schlegels is an ironic commentary on class divisions.
10. Characterization: Forster’s characters are complex and multifaceted, with their own unique quirks and flaws. Through their interactions with each other, Forster reveals important truths about human nature and the human condition.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Symbolism:

Example	Explanation
Howards End (the house)	The house itself is a symbol of connection, tradition, and family. It represents the connection between the old and new, rural and urban, and different social classes.
The wych-elm tree	The wych-elm tree at Howards End symbolizes the continuity of life and nature, while also representing the deep-rooted values of the Wilcox family.
Beethoven’s 5th Symphony	The symphony symbolizes the artistic and emotional depth of the characters, particularly Helen and Leonard, and their shared passion for art and music.

2. Foreshadowing:

Example	Explanation
Helen’s first visit to Howards End	Helen’s initial encounter with Howards End foreshadows her later involvement with the house and the Wilcox family.
Leonard Bast’s umbrella	Leonard’s umbrella, left behind during a visit, foreshadows his later entanglement with the Schlegel sisters and their impact on his life.
Aunt Juley’s illness	Aunt Juley’s illness foreshadows the clash between the Schlegel and Wilcox families and their differing values.

3. Irony:

Example	Explanation
The Wilcoxes’ attitude toward the Schlegels	The Wilcoxes often criticize the Schlegels for their idealistic and impractical nature, yet it is the Schlegels’ values that ultimately lead to the reconciliation of the families.
Margaret’s marriage to Henry Wilcox	Despite her initial disdain for Henry and his materialistic ways, Margaret ultimately marries him, showcasing irony in her choice of life partner.
The fate of Howards End	The Wilcox family, who initially owned Howards End, loses it in the end to the Schlegel family, despite their attempts to prevent such an outcome.

4. Allusion:

Example	Explanation
References to German philosophers	E.M. Forster alludes to German philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Schiller, highlighting the Schlegel sisters’ intellectual nature and German heritage.
The Bible	Biblical references, such as the Prodigal Son, are used to explore the themes of forgiveness and redemption throughout the novel.
Greek mythology	Allusions to Greek mythology, like Persephone, are used to emphasize the connection between the characters and the natural world.

5. Imagery:

Example	Explanation
Howards End’s description	Vivid descriptions of Howards End, its gardens, and the wych-elm tree create a strong sense of place and atmosphere.
Urban vs. rural settings	Contrasting images of urban London and the rural countryside illustrate the tension between modernity and tradition in the novel.
Leonard Bast’s living conditions	Depictions of Leonard’s impoverished living conditions emphasize his struggle and the social class divide in Edwardian England.

6. Juxtaposition:

Example	Explanation
The Schlegel and Wilcox families	The contrast between the intellectual, artistic Schlegel family and the practical, materialistic Wilcox family highlights the novel’s themes of class, culture, and values.
The urban and rural settings	The novel juxtaposes the bustling city of London with the peaceful countryside, illustrating the changing landscape of Edwardian England.
Helen and Margaret	The two sisters are juxtaposed to demonstrate differing perspectives on life, love, and social issues.

7. Motif:

Example	Explanation
Connection	The motif of connection runs throughout the novel, from the relationships between characters to the merging of different social classes and values.
Property and inheritance	The recurring theme of property and inheritance reflects the importance of social status and family legacy in Edwardian England.
Nature	Nature serves as a motif in the novel, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a connection with the natural world amid the rapid social changes of the time.

8. Allegory:

Example	Explanation
Howards End as England	The house, Howards End, can be seen as an allegory for England itself, representing the nation’s changing landscape and the clash of values between the old and the new.
The Wilcoxes and the Schlegels	The two families can be interpreted as allegorical representations of opposing values in Edwardian society: the Wilcoxes embodying the pragmatic, capitalist values and the Schlegels representing the artistic, humanistic ideals.
The wych-elm tree	The wych-elm tree at Howards End serves as an allegorical symbol for the roots and continuity of tradition, as well as the need for a connection to the natural world.

9. Conflict:

Example	Explanation
Social class	The novel explores the conflicts that arise from differences in social class, particularly between the Schlegel sisters, Leonard Bast, and the Wilcoxes.
Romantic relationships	Conflicts in romantic relationships are central to the novel, such as the failed engagements of Helen Schlegel and the strained marriage between Margaret Schlegel and Henry Wilcox.
Values and ideals	The conflicts between the values and ideals of the Schlegel and Wilcox families highlight the novel’s exploration of shifting values in Edwardian England.

10. Parallelism:

Example	Explanation
Helen and Leonard	The characters of Helen Schlegel and Leonard Bast share a passion for art and music, which creates a parallelism between their experiences and struggles.
Margaret and Ruth	The relationship between Margaret Schlegel and Ruth Wilcox serves as a parallel to the bond that later develops between Margaret and her husband, Henry Wilcox.
The Schlegel and Wilcox families	The novel frequently draws parallels between the Schlegel and Wilcox families, despite their differences, highlighting the theme of connection and the possibility for reconciliation between different social classes and values.

FAQs 💭