Howards End · Chapter
VIII explained
Margaret Schlegel visits the ailing Mrs.
What happens
Margaret Schlegel visits the ailing Mrs. Wilcox in her London flat, where they discuss the aftermath of Helen's brief romance with Paul Wilcox. Margaret learns that Charles Wilcox has married Dolly Fussell and that Paul has sailed for Africa. Their conversation reveals a growing mutual understanding and the beginning of a deeper friendship.
Themes in this chapter
Connection vs. Isolation
Margaret's impulsive apology and subsequent intimate conversation with Mrs. Wilcox bridge the gap between the two families, contrasting with Helen's flight to Germany.
Social Class and Inequality
The Wilcoxes' practical, worldly concerns (weddings, cars, travel) subtly contrast with the Schlegels' more intellectual and emotional preoccupations.
Love, Marriage, and Compromise
Discussion of Charles's marriage to Dolly and the failed romance between Helen and Paul illustrates different outcomes of love and practical considerations.
Characters to notice
- Margaret Schlegel
Visits Mrs. Wilcox to apologize for her earlier rude letter and stays to talk, showing her practical and thoughtful nature.
- Ruth Wilcox
Lying ill in bed, she receives Margaret's visit and discusses family matters, revealing her gentle and reflective demeanor.
- Helen Schlegel
Mentioned as having gone to Germany; her past romance with Paul is a key topic of conversation.
- Tibby Schlegel
Briefly appears at the start of the chapter, eating plums and not being told about Helen's affairs.
- Paul Wilcox
Mentioned as having sailed for Nigeria; his brief romance with Helen is discussed.
- Charles Wilcox
Mentioned as having recently married Dolly Fussell and gone on honeymoon to Naples.
- Dolly Fussell
Mentioned as Charles's new wife; her photograph is shown to Margaret.
Key passages
“The friendship between Margaret and Mrs. Wilcox, which was to develop so quickly and with such strange results, may perhaps have had its beginnings at Speyer, in the spring.”
The deep and unusual bond between Margaret and Mrs. Wilcox might have started during their earlier meeting in Speyer.
Foreshadows the importance of their relationship.
“I have to write something discourteous. It would be better if we did not meet.”
Margaret writes a blunt letter suggesting they stop seeing each other.
Shows Margaret's impulsive and principled nature.
“You should not have written me such a letter. I called to tell you that Paul has gone abroad.”
Mrs. Wilcox gently rebukes Margaret, explaining her visit was to inform her that Paul had left.
Reveals Mrs. Wilcox's quiet dignity and the misunderstanding.
“I'm afraid that in nine cases out of ten Nature pulls one way and human nature another.”
Margaret suggests that instinct and social reality often conflict in relationships.
Highlights a central theme of the novel.