Howards End · Chapter
XVII explained
Margaret Schlegel struggles to find a new home after losing Wickham Place, feeling the weight of possessions and the loss of stability.
What happens
Margaret Schlegel struggles to find a new home after losing Wickham Place, feeling the weight of possessions and the loss of stability. She accepts a lunch invitation from Evie Wilcox, only to find Henry Wilcox also present, deepening their acquaintance. Their conversation touches on social class, the supernatural, and the nature of houses, revealing their differing worldviews.
Themes in this chapter
The Meaning of Home and Heritage
Margaret's struggle to find a new home and the sentimental attachment to family possessions highlight the theme of home and heritage.
Social Class and Inequality
The conversation between Margaret and Henry Wilcox touches on class divisions, wealth distribution, and social intercourse.
Materialism vs. Idealism
Margaret's reflection on the burden of possessions and the contrast with Henry's practical, property-focused mindset illustrate this theme.
Characters to notice
- Margaret Schlegel
Anxious about finding a new home, she accepts Evie's lunch invitation and engages in a revealing conversation with Henry Wilcox.
- Henry Wilcox
Joins the lunch party unexpectedly, discussing social class and the supernatural with Margaret, and showing growing intimacy.
- Evie Wilcox
Hosts the lunch at Simpson's with her fiancé Mr. Cahill, appearing gruffer and more patronizing since her engagement.
- Tibby Schlegel
Mentioned as Margaret's chaperon for Henry's visit to Eustace Miles's restaurant.
- Helen Schlegel
Referenced in conversation about auras and theosophy, and noted as not being invited to the lunch.
Key passages
“The feudal ownership of land did bring dignity, whereas the modern ownership of movables is reducing us again to a nomadic horde.”
Owning land once conferred respect, but now owning portable possessions makes us like wandering tribes.
Margaret reflects on the loss of stability and the spiritual poverty of modern life.
“I don't believe in suiting my conversation to my company. One can doubtless hit upon some medium of exchange that seems to do well enough, but it's no more like the real thing than money is like food.”
I refuse to adjust my speech for different audiences; any compromise is as hollow as using money instead of real nourishment.
Margaret defends her directness in conversation to Henry, critiquing superficial social interactions.