She allows Wilcox to go on about his prejudices up until he attempts to have his judgmental attitude keep Margaret away from her sister, Helen. Human nature is another significant theme in the novel.įorster outlines the Wilcox patriarch as a 'traditional' man, one whom does not make allowances for others mistakes as he does for his own. Fast forward post-WWI, this is what ended up happening. The novel is meant to be a metaphor for which social class will come to define England, by bringing the three classes together we see the classes mingling and learning to share their status in life. He intertwines their stories, in the process revealing each social class' hypocrisy, prejudices, ideals and preconceived notions of how the 'other' class should be. I hope Howards End continues to enrich readers, as it won't be an experience I will easily forget. Much lesser is the consideration of industrial progress in London, but this in particular felt very relevant. The connection between classes is also a central theme of Howards End, but It's addressed with sympathy and passion without being dry, for the characters carry this theme with their own conversation and commentary. I think the insightful and inherent feminism will be what keeps many contemporary readers hooked.

But under the light of Margaret, who pardons his views without always agreeing (oh boy-that speech!), the reminder is always present that the novel itself is frequently a criticism of his actions and beliefs.

Modern readers will likely find some, or many, of his views comically antiquated.

While Henry isn't the most charming partner, and perhaps the most insufferable without the sisters, he does progress. Without them, every other character would be insufferable, yet they hoist them up with ease. There's certainly something compellingly modern about the characters, specifically the two Schlegel sisters, who seem to constantly be fighting against what is deemed socially acceptable (for women especially). I had forgotten how much I loved A Room With a View, and Howards End reminds me why. I'm happy to say it wasn't a mistake to do so.

Yes, I decided to finally pick this one up due to all the ads for the 2018 miniseries that have taken over this site.

Howards end book review