Abstract 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."
Tags: lower-middle, trapped, books, upper-class, society
Abstract E.M. Forster chose the epigraph "only connect" for his novel "Howards End", which suggests that it is as much his philosophy as it is that of his protagonist, Margaret Schlegel. The paper discusses how Forster explores the lives of three English families in "Howards End", each representing a different class or, perhaps more accurately, a different gradation of the middle class. The paper shows how his aim is to show the problems that face these families and individuals when they try to connect with each other in various ways. There are the upper-middle class Wilcoxes, with their solid work ethic and traditional social morality; the lower middle class Basts, struggling on "the extreme verge of gentility" and, somewhere in between, the cultural, intellectual Schlegels.
From the Paper "Literary critic Lionel Trilling suggests that the class struggle depicted in Howards End - specifically the conflict over who will inherit the iconic country home - raises a question that becomes central to the novel: "Who shall inherit England?" (Trilling, 102). This question implies that a victorious class will emerge from the struggle, just as one character or family will inevitably triumph by inheriting (or retaining possession of) Howards End."
Abstract In this analysis of "Howard's End" by E.M Forster, the writer of the paper shows how Forster effectively uses this novel to reflect upon and analyze the social and economic attitudes in England during the first part of the twentieth century. The significance of money as a central theme and the characters are also examined.
From the Paper "E.M. Forster's novel "Howard's End" challenges the social class system of the times, causing many critics to take note of his political opinions. Money, its use, its power, and the pursuit of it come to be the central focus of the novel. For the three representative families - Bast, Wilcox and Schlegel, money is at the root of their troubles. Their absolvement and peace only comes after they realize their faults - when Leonard realizes that money cannot buy him what he truly desires, which is to trust others; when Margaret finally understands that family is more important than any concert or book; when Henry finally sees how selfish it is of him to close his heart off to what he truly feels. Forster uses these individuals to explore his own ideas of the great change in the society in which he is surrounded."
