E.M. Forster's "Howard's End"

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the character Leonard Bast in "Howard's End"
is not exactly representing the poor but the very bottom of the lower-middle class; however, he is trying to work his way up to better himself individually and potentially reach the Schlegal's status. The author points out that Leonard appears to be trapped in his class but struggling to get out by reading different books to broaden his horizons; he uses this technique to charm people of the upper class with his knowledge of what he read, which just puts him more out of place. The paper relates that, according to E.M. Forster, the English social system is very challenging, which he illustrates by the location in which his character Bast lives, relationships he has developed and his actions.

From the Paper:

"After attending the performance of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, Helen runs off with Leonard's umbrella. After following her all the way home we are shown Leonard's need for his umbrella, it is all he has. "All men are equal--all men, that is, who possess umbrellas." (39) This is the key statement about Leonard, he wants to move up in the social system, by showing he has an umbrella he knows he is nothing less than inferior. We are shown the embarrassment when Helen insults his umbrella, Leonard realizes that he is lower class. Never will he be at the same position as the Schlegal Sister's. Leonard in society stutters causes a scene and even sends his "wife" looking for him at another woman's place."

More papers on E.M. Forster's "Howard's End":

• Analytical Essay # 6657 : "Howard's End" by E.M. Forster"
• Analytical Essay # 27509 : "Howards End"
• Book Review # 93529 : "Howard's End"

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