Exploring the Themes of Howards End by E.M. Forster

Introduction

Howards End is a novel written by E.M. Forster in 1910. The author was born in London in 1879 and is best known for his novels exploring class differences and human relationships. Howards End is a story about the intertwined lives of three families from different social classes in England, exploring themes of social conventions, cultural values, and human connections. If you have read this book, you may have your own interpretation of its themes. In this blog post, we will discuss different interpretations of the themes of Howards End.

The Importance of Connection

One of the prominent themes in Howards End is the importance of connection. The novel explores the idea that humans are social creatures and need to connect with others to find meaning in life. Forster uses the symbol of Howards End, a country house, to represent the connection between the characters. The house is passed down from one generation to another, and it becomes a symbol of the connections between different social classes. The novel suggests that individuals who fail to connect with others are doomed to be isolated and unhappy. The character of Margaret Schlegel, who values human connection, is the one who ultimately finds happiness in the novel.

The Clash of Cultures

Another significant theme in Howards End is the clash of cultures. The novel depicts the struggle between the traditional English values and the emerging modern values of the early 20th century. The characters represent different cultural backgrounds and social classes, and their interactions reveal the cultural tensions that existed during this time. For example, the character of Leonard Bast represents the lower-middle class and is struggling to find his place in the changing society. In contrast, the Wilcoxes represent the upper class and embody the traditional English values of capitalism and imperialism. The clash of cultures in the novel highlights the need for individuals to understand and appreciate different cultural values.

The Illusion of Social Class

The theme of social class is also explored in Howards End. The novel depicts the illusion that social class is an indicator of character or worth. Forster suggests that social class is merely a social construct and that individuals should not be judged based on their social status. The character of Henry Wilcox, who represents the upper class, is initially portrayed as a successful businessman with traditional English values. However, as the novel progresses, his character is revealed to be flawed and lacking in empathy. In contrast, the Schlegels, who represent the intellectual class, are portrayed as empathetic and compassionate. The theme of social class challenges readers to question their own assumptions about class and to look beyond social status to see the true nature of individuals.

Conclusion

Howards End is a novel that explores a wide range of themes, from human connections to social class. By examining different interpretations of the novel's themes, we can see the diversity of understanding and the complexity of the novel. Forster's exploration of these themes is still relevant today, and readers can find meaning and relevance in the novel regardless of their own cultural background or social class.