Howards End · Chapter
XXXII explained
In the spring, while reviewing plans for a new house in Sussex, Margaret receives a visit from Dolly, who brings news that Miss Avery has been unpacking the Schlegels' packing-cases at Howards End.
What happens
In the spring, while reviewing plans for a new house in Sussex, Margaret receives a visit from Dolly, who brings news that Miss Avery has been unpacking the Schlegels' packing-cases at Howards End. Dolly recounts Miss Avery's past conflict with Evie over a returned gift, and Margaret decides to go down to Howards End herself to resolve the situation.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Inequality
The conflict over Miss Avery's gift to Evie highlights class boundaries and the discomfort when social lines are crossed.
The Meaning of Home and Heritage
Margaret's concern for the books and her decision to go to Howards End underscore the importance of personal belongings and the house as a repository of memory.
Characters to notice
- Margaret Schlegel
Margaret is reviewing house plans and dealing with the news of Miss Avery's unpacking. She decides to go to Howards End to settle the matter.
- Dolly Fussell
Dolly visits Margaret, bringing news of Miss Avery's actions and recounting the earlier conflict over Evie's gift.
- Helen Schlegel
Helen is mentioned as having been away in Bavaria for eight months, causing concern among the family.
- Henry Wilcox
Henry is referenced as having allowed Miss Avery to look after the house, and Margaret considers his perspective on the matter.
- Miss Avery
Miss Avery has unpacked the Schlegels' packing-cases at Howards End, leading to the chapter's central conflict.
- Evie Wilcox
Evie is mentioned in Dolly's story about returning Miss Avery's expensive gift, which caused a rift.
Key passages
“She was looking at plans one day in the following spring—they had finally decided to go down into Sussex and build—when Mrs. Charles Wilcox was announced.”
One spring day, while Margaret was examining architectural plans for their new house in Sussex, Dolly Wilcox arrived for a visit.
Sets the scene for the chapter's action and introduces the plan to build a new home.
“Miss Avery has been unpacking your packing-cases.”
Miss Avery has opened the crates containing your belongings.
This is the key news that prompts Margaret's journey to Howards End.