# XXIV explained — Howards End

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

## What happens

Margaret visits Howards End with Henry, who explains the property's history and his improvements. She feels a deep connection to the house and the wych-elm tree, experiencing a sense of space and love for England. Later, at tea with Henry and Dolly, they discuss Miss Avery's startling appearance and the history of the Wilcox family's connection to the farm.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Meaning of Home and Heritage

Margaret's emotional connection to Howards End and the wych-elm tree reflects a search for rootedness and continuity.

### Social Class and Inequality

Henry's dismissive comments about Miss Avery and the 'uneducated classes' highlight class distinctions.

### Connection vs. Isolation

Margaret experiences a sense of flux and disconnection in modern life, but finds a moment of connection at Howards End.

## Character check-ins

### Margaret Schlegel

Visits Howards End, feels a deep connection to the house and land, and later has tea with Henry and Dolly.

### Henry Wilcox

Shows Margaret around Howards End, explains the property's history, and discusses Miss Avery at teatime.

### Dolly Fussell

Joins Henry and Margaret for tea, shares gossip about Miss Avery and the Wilcox family history.

### Miss Avery

Startles Margaret at Howards End; later discussed as a character with knowledge of the farm's past.

### Ruth Wilcox

Referenced indirectly through the history of Howards End and the wych-elm tree, but not named by Henry.

## Key lines

> She recaptured the sense of space, which is the basis of all earthly beauty, and, starting from Howards End, she attempted to realise England.

Margaret regained a feeling of openness and freedom, which she considered fundamental to beauty, and tried to understand England from the perspective of Howards End.

_Margaret's spiritual connection to the landscape and her search for meaning._

> House and tree transcended any similes of sex. Margaret thought of them now, and was to think of them through many a windy night and London day, but to compare either to man, to woman, always dwarfed the vision.

The house and the wych-elm tree were beyond simple human comparisons; Margaret would remember them often, but any attempt to liken them to a man or woman diminished their significance.

_The transcendent, almost spiritual quality of Howards End and its tree._

## Links

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