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
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper examines E.M. Forster's Howards End, focusing on the connections and disconnections presented within the novel. The main objective is to interpret the significance of these connections and disconnections, particularly as they relate to different families, contrasting lifestyles (urban vs. rural), and the relationship between England and Germany. The analysis explores how Forster uses these contrasts to illustrate his central theme of "Only Connect."
- The contrasting values and lifestyles of the Schlegel and Wilcox families.
- The juxtaposition of urban (London) and rural (Howards End) life.
- The representation of the relationship between England and Germany.
- The importance of connection and understanding between individuals and classes.
- Forster's exploration of traditional versus modern values.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes Howards End as a significant work by E.M. Forster, categorizing it as a "Condition-of-England novel" that reflects the anxieties and problems of England at the turn of the 20th century. It highlights the novel's central theme of "Only Connect," emphasizing the importance of bridging the gaps between different classes, lifestyles, and perspectives. The chapter lays out the paper's focus on examining specific examples of connection and disconnection within the novel, including the relationship between the Schlegel and Wilcox families, the contrast between London and Howards End, and the relationship between England and Germany.
2. Schlegels and Wilcoxes: This chapter delves into the central conflict of the novel: the relationship between the Schlegel and Wilcox families. The Schlegels, representing educated, liberal women, are contrasted with the Wilcoxes, a successful but less cultured business-oriented family. The chapter details the differences between the sisters Margaret and Helen Schlegel, highlighting their contrasting approaches to the Wilcoxes. Margaret's more measured and mediating approach is contrasted with Helen's initial fascination and subsequent disillusionment with the Wilcox family. The chapter sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the complexities and ultimately the necessity of connection between these fundamentally different families, reflecting Forster's central theme of reconciliation.
Keywords
Howards End, E.M. Forster, "Only Connect," Schlegel family, Wilcox family, class differences, urban vs. rural life, England, Germany, connection, disconnection, modern vs. traditional values, social commentary.
E.M. Forster's *Howards End*: A Research Paper Preview - FAQ
What is the main focus of this research paper?
This research paper analyzes E.M. Forster's *Howards End*, examining the connections and disconnections within the novel. It focuses on interpreting the significance of these connections and disconnections, particularly as they relate to different families, contrasting lifestyles (urban vs. rural), and the relationship between England and Germany. The central theme explored is Forster's "Only Connect."
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores several key themes, including the contrasting values and lifestyles of the Schlegel and Wilcox families; the juxtaposition of urban (London) and rural (Howards End) life; the representation of the relationship between England and Germany; the importance of connection and understanding between individuals and classes; and Forster's exploration of traditional versus modern values.
Which families are central to the analysis?
The analysis centers on the contrasting Schlegel and Wilcox families. The Schlegels represent educated, liberal women, while the Wilcoxes are a successful but less cultured, business-oriented family. The paper explores the differences between the sisters Margaret and Helen Schlegel and their interactions with the Wilcoxes.
How does the paper address the setting of the novel?
The paper contrasts the urban setting of London with the rural setting of Howards End, examining how these contrasting environments reflect and shape the characters and their relationships. This geographical contrast is crucial in understanding the themes of connection and disconnection.
What is the significance of the "Only Connect" theme?
“Only Connect” is the central theme of *Howards End*, and this research paper examines how Forster uses contrasting families, lifestyles, and national relationships to illustrate the importance of bridging gaps between different classes, perspectives, and ways of life. The paper explores how the characters achieve or fail to achieve this connection.
What is the role of the England-Germany relationship in the analysis?
The paper investigates the representation of the relationship between England and Germany in *Howards End*, analyzing how this international connection (or lack thereof) contributes to the broader themes of connection and understanding, and potentially reflects the anxieties of England at the turn of the 20th century.
What are the chapter summaries included in the preview?
The preview includes summaries of the introduction, which sets the stage by categorizing *Howards End* as a "Condition-of-England novel" and outlining the paper's focus; and a summary of the chapter focusing on the Schlegel and Wilcox families, detailing their contrasting values and the complexities of their relationship.
What keywords are associated with this research paper?
Keywords include: Howards End, E.M. Forster, "Only Connect," Schlegel family, Wilcox family, class differences, urban vs. rural life, England, Germany, connection, disconnection, modern vs. traditional values, social commentary.
What type of novel is *Howards End* categorized as?
The preview categorizes *Howards End* as a "Condition-of-England novel," suggesting it reflects the social, political, and cultural anxieties of England at the turn of the 20th century.
- Quote paper
- Mieke Schüller (Author), 2001, Howards End by E. M. Forster: "Only Connect!", Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/44788
