Howards End,which was published in 1910, is considered as one of Edward Morgan Forster’s masterpieces, and as “the one which firmly established his reputation among his contemporaries as an important writer.” (Lodge ix).Howards Endis often referred to as a ‘Condition-of-Englandnovel’, because it gives a vivid impression of England at the turn of the century. The novel examines the problems and anxieties that were prevalent at that time due to the historical changes, for example the downfall of the British Empire, the increasingly tensed relationship to the countries on the European Continent, and the need of reorientation concerning new moral standards.Howards Endbecame known especially for of its epigraph ‘Only connect’. The novel is built upon many antagonisms, it contrasts traditional values and modern developments. The contrasts are presented on various levels; Edward Morgan Forster describes different characters, lifestyles and values in order to show what he considered as important, the connection of past and present, but also on the personal level, the connection of people, even if from different classes. The aim was to convey to the reader the necessity of connection, the need to connect what has become disconnected, in order to attain an integral life. The Kindlers Literatur Lexikon summarizes it as follows:
The idea of ‘only connect’ can be traced throughoutHowards End.Forster employs personal relations to emphasize the importance of connection and mutual understanding, but does also, on a more abstract level, write about the connection of the past and the present.
In this research paper I will focus on some examples of connections and disconnections and interpret their meaning. I have decided to have a closer look at the connection of different families, as it is presented in the novel on the example of the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes. Further on, the juxtaposition of life in the city, in this case of London, and in the rural areas, in this research paper represented by the house Howards End, will help to show how living conditions had changed because of the influence of modernization. Moreover, the connection on a national level will be illustrated by the example of the relationship of England and Germany.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Schlegels and Wilcoxes
3. London and the Country
3.1. London
3.2. Howards End
4. England and Germany
5. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Thematic Focus
This paper examines the central theme of "connection" in E. M. Forster's novel Howards End, analyzing how the author uses interpersonal relationships and contrasting settings to address the social anxieties of the Edwardian era. The research aims to interpret how characters from different class and cultural backgrounds attempt to bridge the gaps between rational materialism and emotional idealism.
- The role of class dynamics, specifically between the Schlegel and Wilcox families.
- The dichotomy between urban London and rural Howards End as a reflection of societal change.
- The significance of the "only connect" epigraph in the context of personal and societal development.
- The national and cultural intersection of English and German identities.
- The representation of modernity, progress, and the preservation of traditional values.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2. Howards End
Furthermore, there is Howards End, an old house in the country, which is in the possession of the Wilcoxes. But nobody except Ruth Wilcox has an emotional relation to the place. She could not stand it to be separated from the place where she was born, where her family had lived, and she says that “‘Howards End was nearly pulled down once. It would have killed me’” (Forster 71). Margaret, after she got to know Ruth Wilcox better, even “discerned that Mrs Wilcox, though a loving wife and mother, had only one passion in her life – her house – and that the moment was solemn when she invited a friend to share this passion with her” (Forster 73). The spiritual, magic atmosphere of the house corresponds to Ruth Wilcox, who is presented as an enigmatic, mystical character. Howards End belongs to her, the Wilcoxes own it, but they will never really possess it.
The hint that the Wilcoxes even have an allergic reaction on the landscape reveals very much about their attitude towards the country, because “[t]he hay stands for rural England, the natural world with its seasonal rhythms and rich sensuous appeal, and a treasured sense of tradition and the past” (Norman Page 81). The fact that a natural environment “cannot be tolerated by the other Wilcoxes both marks off the mother from her husbands and sons and implies that the men of the family – those whose successful efforts in the world of business have brought material rewards – have cut themselves off from the natural world and the past” (Norman Page 81). Once again, it is emphasized that the Wilcoxes belong to the men of the future, or, as John Batchelor puts it: “Mrs Wilcox’s family, the Howards, were decayed farming gentry while the Wilcoxes, the family into which she has married, are the new class” (Batchelor 226).
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter contextualizes Howards End as a significant "Condition-of-England" novel and introduces the central motif of "only connect" as a means to resolve personal and societal antagonisms.
2. Schlegels and Wilcoxes: The author analyzes the opposition between the intellectual, emotional Schlegel sisters and the materialistic, business-oriented Wilcox family to highlight the necessity of reconciling different ways of life.
3. London and the Country: This chapter contrasts the chaotic, nomadic nature of London against the rooted, spiritual stability of Howards End, emphasizing the impact of modernization.
3.1. London: The analysis focuses on how London represents the rising economic center and the hostile, unrelenting pace of life that creates a sense of detachment for its inhabitants.
3.2. Howards End: The text explores the house as a symbol of old England and a mystical space that remains spiritually inaccessible to the materialistic Wilcox men despite their ownership.
4. England and Germany: This section investigates how the Schlegel sisters embody a blend of English and German characteristics and discusses the political tensions between the two nations during the Edwardian period.
5. Conclusion: The paper concludes that while forced connections fail, Forster advocates for an openness to experience and change, suggesting that maturity is achieved through the integration of disparate life perspectives.
Keywords
E. M. Forster, Howards End, Edwardian literature, Only Connect, social class, Schlegel family, Wilcox family, urban vs rural, modernization, cultural identity, English and German relations, personal connection, Victorian values, social change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this analysis?
The analysis focuses on E. M. Forster's Howards End, exploring how the novel critiques the social structures and anxieties of the early 20th-century Edwardian period.
What are the primary thematic areas explored?
The central themes include the clash of class values, the tension between material progress and spiritual tradition, and the imperative to reconcile opposing worldviews.
What is the primary objective of the research paper?
The objective is to interpret the meaning of "connections" and "disconnections" among the novel's characters and settings to understand how they can achieve an integral, cultivated life.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The paper utilizes a literary analysis approach, drawing on thematic exploration, character comparison, and historical context to evaluate the author's critique of society.
What does the main body of the work cover?
It examines the dynamics between the Schlegel and Wilcox families, the symbolic importance of London versus the countryside, and the representation of international relations between England and Germany.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Howards End, social class, modernization, personal connection, and the Edwardian liberal dilemma.
How does the author characterize the Wilcox family?
The Wilcoxes are characterized as affluent, rational, and successful business people who, except for Ruth Wilcox, lack sensitivity toward emotional and spiritual aspects of life.
What significance does the "motor-car" have in the novel?
The motor-car represents rapid progress and modernization; while it connects places, it is also portrayed as a disruptive force that pollutes the environment and alienates people from nature.
- Quote paper
- Mieke Schüller (Author), 2001, Howards End by E. M. Forster: "Only Connect!", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/44788
