# VII explained — Howards End > Chapter companion for Howards End by E. M. Forster. ## 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. ## Character check-ins ### 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 lines > 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._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/vii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/howards_end_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/howards_end_se/chapters