Howards End is about the interweaving lives of three families - the intellectual and idealistic Schlegel sisters, the wealthy and conservative Wilcoxes, and the working-class Basts. Their personal connections and conflicts reflect the broader themes of class, culture, and the changing landscape of early 20th-century England.
Table of Content
Howards End Book Summary
At the heart of England in the early 20th century, the Schlegel sisters, Margaret and Helen, are involved in the London cultural scene. They befriend Leonard Bast, a young clerk with aspirations, and through a series of misunderstandings, he is advised to quit his job.
Leonard's life becomes entwined with the wealthy and aristocratic Wilcox family, particularly when he is found to be romantically involved with Jacky, a woman with a dubious past whom he eventually marries.
Meanwhile, the Schlegels become involved with the Wilcoxes through various social encounters. A love interest develops between Margaret and the widower, Henry Wilcox, and they eventually marry.
Howards End, a house with deep personal significance for the late Mrs. Wilcox, becomes a point of contention and connection between the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes.
Henry's son, Charles, destroys a piece of the house, and the event leads to a deeper understanding between the two families. Margaret and Henry's marriage is tested, and Margaret's belief in connecting with others is challenged.
As the plot unfolds, the destinies of these three families become increasingly intertwined, reflecting the broader social changes of the time. The clash of their differing values and the struggle for understanding and empathy form the thematic core of the novel.
Leonard's marriage to Jacky falls apart, and he is left destitute. Helen, who had been living abroad, returns and is dismayed by the changes in Margaret's life and the actions of the Wilcoxes.
A heated discussion about social justice erupts, and in the fallout, Helen becomes pregnant with Leonard's child. She leaves for Germany to have the baby, severing ties with her family and the Wilcoxes.
The Schlegels and Henry finally reach a deeper understanding, especially regarding the ownership of Howards End. Henry's health deteriorates, and on his deathbed, he bequeaths the house to Margaret and the Schlegels.
The novel culminates with the future of Howards End secured in the hands of those who understand its significance. The intricate web of relationships that the characters have weaved begins to unravel, but the enduring legacy of the house reflects the possibility of connection and understanding between people from different walks of life.
Howards End Quotes
- Only connect!
- Life's very difficult. I've tried to make it less difficult for others.
Howards End Ending Explained
At the end of Howards End, the central theme of connection is underscored when Henry Wilcox, on his deathbed, bequeaths Howards End to Margaret and her family.
The legacy of the house, with its deep and complex personal history, represents a tangible connection between the past and the future, and between the different classes and ideologies that have been at odds throughout the story.
The novel concludes with the sense that despite the challenges and conflicts, the hope for understanding and unity between people remains, as symbolized by the enduring presence of Howards End.
Characters in book Howards End
- Margaret Schlegel: An intelligent, independent woman who strives to understand and connect with people from different backgrounds.
- Helen Schlegel: Margaret's younger sister, spirited and unconventional, she shares her sister's progressive ideals.
- Henry Wilcox: A wealthy businessman, head of the Wilcox family, who is practical and traditional in his views.
- Ruth Wilcox: Henry's first wife, who is deeply connected to the titular Howards End, and whose death sets the events of the novel in motion.
- Leonard Bast: A struggling lower-middle-class clerk who becomes entangled with the Schlegel sisters and the Wilcoxes.
- Jacky Bast: Leonard's wife, with a complex past, who has endured many hardships.
- Charles Wilcox: Henry's eldest son, who is less polished and more impulsive than his father.
- Paul Wilcox: Henry's youngest son, who is more introspective and thoughtful than his siblings.
- Mr. and Mrs. Munt: The Schlegel sisters' aunt and uncle, who are well-meaning but often meddlesome in the lives of their nieces.
- Percy Cahill: A friend of the Wilcoxes who shows interest in Margaret Schlegel.
- Evie Wilcox: Henry's daughter, who is somewhat shallow and preoccupied with her social standing.
Key Lessons
- Embrace Change: Change is inevitable and resisting it can lead to conflict and missed opportunities for personal growth and understanding.
- Seek Connection: Genuine connections with others, regardless of their social standing, are essential for a fulfilled and meaningful life.
- Value Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of others is a crucial skill that promotes harmony and cooperation.
- Embody Justice: Upholding fairness and justice in your actions can have a profound impact on your own life and on those around you.
- Cherish the Past: Acknowledging and respecting the past can provide a foundation for progress and a source of stability in a rapidly changing world.
My Personal Opinion
Is Howards End worth reading? Absolutely! I found it to be a deeply insightful exploration of class and human relationships in early 20th-century England.
I was captivated by the rich character development and the way the novel delves into the complexities of its protagonists. On the downside, I occasionally found the pacing to be slow, but this allowed for a thorough examination of the themes at play. The narrative's depth more than made up for any lack of momentum.
I would recommend Howards End to readers who appreciate nuanced social commentary and character-driven narratives. It's an excellent choice for those interested in classic literature and the study of human nature.