Howards End · Chapter
XIII explained
Margaret and Tibby discuss work, duty, and the Wilcoxes, while Helen prepares a speech on political economy.
What happens
Margaret and Tibby discuss work, duty, and the Wilcoxes, while Helen prepares a speech on political economy. The conversation is interrupted by a woman, Mrs. Lanoline, who arrives searching for her missing husband, an event that unsettles Margaret and highlights the precariousness of their sheltered life.
Themes in this chapter
Gender Roles and Women's Independence
Helen argues that 'not to work' should become as shocking for women as 'not to be married' was a century ago, challenging traditional gender expectations.
Social Class and Inequality
Margaret reflects on the contrast between her own housing concerns and the lives of the truly poor, while Mrs. Lanoline's visit underscores the precariousness of lower-class existence.
The Meaning of Home and Heritage
Margaret's thoughts turn to house-hunting and the safety of Wickham Place, fearing that her family may be moving into turmoil and squalor.
Characters to notice
- Margaret Schlegel
Engages in a philosophical debate with Tibby about work and duty, defends the Wilcoxes, and later feels disturbed by the visit of Mrs. Lanoline, reflecting on the instability of their home.
- Helen Schlegel
Prepares a speech on political economy, enthusiastically recounts the visit of Mrs. Lanoline, and insists on writing to Aunt Juley about the incident.
- Tibby Schlegel
Debates with Margaret about work and civilization, expresses disdain for the Wilcoxes, and remains detached from the household drama.
- Henry Wilcox
Referenced by Margaret as an example of a man who works regularly and honestly, though Tibby scoffs at the mention.
- Evie Wilcox
Mentioned as the source of news about Paul Wilcox returning to Nigeria.
- Paul Wilcox
Referenced as the younger Wilcox son who returned ill from Nigeria and has gone back out to his duty.
Key passages
“I believe that in the last century men have developed the desire for work, and they must not starve it. It's a new desire. It goes with a great deal that's bad, but in itself it's good, and I hope that for women, too, 'not to work' will soon become as shocking as 'not to be married' was a hundred years ago.”
Helen argues that the modern drive to work is a positive development and should be equally expected of women, just as marriage once was.
Helen articulates a progressive view on gender roles and the value of labor.
“The flats, their only outlook, hung like an ornate curtain between Margaret and the welter of London. Her thoughts turned sadly to house-hunting. Wickham Place had been so safe. She feared, fantastically, that her own little flock might be moving into turmoil and squalor, into nearer contact with such episodes as these.”
Margaret feels that the view from their flat shields them from the chaos of London, but she worries that moving might expose her family to disorder and poverty.
Margaret's anxiety about housing reflects her fear of losing the security and insulation of their current home.