Howards End · Chapter
Chapter XXI explained
Charles Wilcox scolds his wife Dolly for her role in encouraging the match between Henry Wilcox and Margaret Schlegel, which has resulted in Margaret gaining control of Howards End.
What happens
Charles Wilcox scolds his wife Dolly for her role in encouraging the match between Henry Wilcox and Margaret Schlegel, which has resulted in Margaret gaining control of Howards End. Dolly deflects blame, but Charles is determined to keep the Schlegels in check and protect his father from their influence.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
Charles's resentment of the Schlegels highlights class tensions, as he views them as outsiders who have usurped the Wilcox family's position.
Love, Marriage, and Compromise
The marriage of Henry and Margaret is seen by Charles as a threat to family stability, revealing the compromises and conflicts inherent in such unions.
The Meaning of Home and Heritage
Howards End is a contested symbol of heritage, with Charles feeling that Margaret has unfairly gained control of the family property.
Characters to notice
- Charles Wilcox
Scolds Dolly for her matchmaking and expresses resentment toward the Schlegels, vowing to monitor their behavior.
- Dolly Fussell
Deflects Charles's accusations and shows defiance, though she admits her role in the matchmaking.
- Henry Wilcox
Mentioned as the father who is marrying Margaret Schlegel and is anxious to do the decent thing.
- Margaret Schlegel
Referenced as the woman who has 'got hold of Howards End' and is the subject of Charles's resentment.
- Evie Wilcox
Mentioned as having previously made Henry comfortable, implying her role in the household before Margaret.
- Paul Wilcox
Mentioned as someone who will react to the news of Henry's marriage.
Key passages
“Miss Schlegel always meant to get hold of Howards End, and, thanks to you, she's got it.”
Charles accuses Dolly of enabling Margaret to acquire Howards End, implying Margaret had long planned this.
Charles's suspicion reveals his distrust of Margaret's intentions and his view of the marriage as a property grab.
“But if I find them giving themselves airs or monopolising my father, or at all ill-treating him, or worrying him with their artistic beastliness, I intend to put my foot down, yes, firmly.”
Charles vows to intervene if the Schlegels act superior, dominate his father, or bother him with their artistic tastes.
Charles's threat underscores his protective, controlling nature and his disdain for the Schlegels' cultural values.