# XII explained — Howards End

> Chapter companion for Howards End by E. M. Forster.

## What happens

Margaret reflects on Mrs. Wilcox's death and her relationship with the Wilcoxes, contrasting their practical 'outer life' with the Schlegels' intellectual world. She receives Mrs. Wilcox's silver vinaigrette from Henry Wilcox, deepening her respect for him. Meanwhile, Helen writes from Germany about tobogganing and a failed marriage proposal, and Tibby describes his visit to Oxford. Margaret contemplates the chaotic nature of life and the tragedy of preparedness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Death, Mortality, and Legacy

Margaret's meditation on Mrs. Wilcox's death explores the nature of dying with proportion and the inadequacy of funeral rituals to capture life's essence.

### Connection vs. Isolation

Margaret feels a connection to the Wilcoxes despite their differences, while Helen remains emotionally isolated from the gravity of Mrs. Wilcox's death.

### Materialism vs. Idealism

The chapter contrasts the Wilcoxes' practical 'outer life of telegrams and anger' with the Schlegels' intellectual and romantic worldview, advocating for reconciliation.

## Character check-ins

### Margaret Schlegel

Reflects on Mrs. Wilcox's death, receives the silver vinaigrette, and contemplates reconciling the seen and unseen.

### Helen Schlegel

Writes from Germany about tobogganing and a marriage proposal from Herr Förstmeister; shows little emotional depth regarding Mrs. Wilcox's death.

### Henry Wilcox

Sends Margaret Mrs. Wilcox's silver vinaigrette and expresses hope for continued acquaintance; described as generous and launching into rubber business.

### Ruth Wilcox

Her death is remembered as dignified and proportionate; Margaret sees her as having escaped societal registration.

### Tibby Schlegel

Describes his visit to Oxford for a scholarship; sensitive to beauty but makes no friends.

### Charles Wilcox

Corresponds with Margaret about his mother's estate; is married and has moved to a house of his own.

## Key lines

> It is thus, if there is any rule, that we ought to die—neither as victim nor as fanatic, but as the seafarer who can greet with an equal eye the deep that he is entering, and the shore that he must leave.

The ideal death is one of balance, facing the unknown with calm acceptance rather than fear or frenzy.

_Margaret's reflection on Mrs. Wilcox's dignified passing._

> Our business is not to contrast the two, but to reconcile them.

We should not dwell on the opposition between the spiritual and the practical, but find a way to harmonize them.

_Margaret's advice to Helen about the seen and unseen._

> Actual life is full of false clues and signposts that lead nowhere. With infinite effort we nerve ourselves for a crisis that never comes.

Real life is chaotic and often anticlimactic, unlike the orderly narratives we construct.

_Margaret's observation on the nature of daily life and preparedness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/howards_end_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/howards_end_se/chapters