Previous
Allusions
Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Schlegels and Wilcoxes:
Howards End presents two English families, the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes, as foils that represent different social classes and types of people in early 20th century England. These differences are so extreme that they sometimes verge on the hyperbolic. When Margaret Schlegel tries to explain how she sees the Wilcoxes to Helen in Chapter 4, she says:
“I’ve often thought about it, Helen. It’s one of the most interesting things in the world. The truth is that there is a great outer life that you and I have never touched—a life in which telegrams and anger count. Personal relations, that we think supreme, are not supreme there. There love means marriage settlements, death, death duties. So far I’m clear. But here’s my difficulty. [...]
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Helen and Margaret:
The Schlegel sisters act as foils for each other in Howards End. Although they have much in common, their ways of approaching life highlight the difference in their personalities. In Chapter 4, Forster describes their different qualities in the following way:
Unlock with LitCharts A+Margaret then remarked: “To me one of two things is very clear; either God does not know his own mind about England and Germany, or else these do not know the mind of God.” [...] at thirteen she had grasped a dilemma that most people travel through life without perceiving. Her brain darted up and down; it grew pliant and strong. [...] Helen advanced along the same lines, though with a more irresponsible tread. In character she resembled her sister, but she was pretty, and so apt to have a more amusing time.
Related Themes:
Chapter 42
Explanation and Analysis—Schlegels and Wilcoxes:
Howards End presents two English families, the Schlegels and the Wilcoxes, as foils that represent different social classes and types of people in early 20th century England. These differences are so extreme that they sometimes verge on the hyperbolic. When Margaret Schlegel tries to explain how she sees the Wilcoxes to Helen in Chapter 4, she says:
Unlock with LitCharts A+“I’ve often thought about it, Helen. It’s one of the most interesting things in the world. The truth is that there is a great outer life that you and I have never touched—a life in which telegrams and anger count. Personal relations, that we think supreme, are not supreme there. There love means marriage settlements, death, death duties. So far I’m clear. But here’s my difficulty. [...]
Related Themes:
