Howards End · Chapter
VII explained
The Wilcoxes move into the flat opposite the Schlegels, causing concern.
What happens
The Wilcoxes move into the flat opposite the Schlegels, causing concern. Margaret tries to reassure Aunt Juley that Helen's feelings for Paul are dead, but Helen's blush suggests otherwise. Margaret reflects on the power of money and class, and worries that chatter from Aunt Juley and Frieda might reawaken Helen's old emotions.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
Margaret's speech about standing on islands of money highlights the economic divide between the rich and the poor, and how wealth shapes perspective and opportunity.
Connection vs. Isolation
The proximity of the Wilcoxes threatens to reawaken old connections, while Margaret and Helen grapple with the emotional distance they wish to maintain.
Materialism vs. Idealism
Margaret's pragmatic view of money as the foundation of life contrasts with Aunt Juley's discomfort with such 'cynical' talk.
Characters to notice
- Margaret Schlegel
Margaret calmly receives the news of the Wilcoxes' arrival, tries to reassure her aunt, and reflects on the economic foundations of their lives.
- Helen Schlegel
Helen blushes when the Wilcoxes' move is mentioned, suggesting lingering feelings despite her denials.
- Aunt Juley
Aunt Juley is the first to notice the Wilcoxes' arrival and worries about its effect on Helen, while also enjoying her surveillance of the flats.
- Henry Wilcox
Mentioned indirectly as part of the Wilcox family moving opposite; not directly present.
- Paul Wilcox
Referenced as the object of Helen's past romance; his potential encounters with Helen are a source of concern.
- Evie Wilcox
Evie is seen staring rudely from the balcony of the Wilcox flat.
Key passages
“It is so firm beneath our feet that we forget its very existence. It’s only when we see someone near us tottering that we realise all that an independent income means.”
We take our financial security for granted until we see someone else struggling.
Margaret reflects on the invisibility of privilege.
“The poor cannot always reach those whom they want to love, and they can hardly ever escape from those whom they love no longer. We rich can.”
Poverty limits both the ability to pursue love and to leave it behind, while wealth offers freedom.
Margaret contrasts the romantic constraints of different classes.
“I stand each year upon six hundred pounds, and Helen upon the same, and Tibby will stand upon eight, and as fast as our pounds crumble away into the sea they are renewed—from the sea, yes, from the sea.”
Our incomes are stable and self-renewing, like a tide that always returns.
Margaret uses a metaphor to describe the security of their inherited wealth.