GradeSaver(tm) ClassicNotes Howards End
Home : Howards End : Forum : Forum Topic

Howards End Forum

Join the discussion about Howards End by creating a new topic or replying to an existing topic. You may also view GradeSaver's College Discussion Forums or other Novel Discussion Forums.

WHAT ARE THE THEMES OF HOWARDS END??

Please help me find out what the themes are
Posted by joe c #42869 at Jun 25, 2007 8:57 PM || Report this post || Reply

Thematically, Forster's sole concern in the book can be seen in the epigram: "Only connect" as this echoes differences between the classes that Margaret seeks to bring together. But this becomes secondary when we see some of the following elements at work.

Central themes in the book include:

1. Conflict between inner (soul) and outer (body, materialism) aspects of life.

2. Money as a mode of social survival.

3. Woman's Rights in Edwardian Society

4. Liberalism vs. Conservatism

5. Art and Culture vs. Money and Wealth

Additionally, 'Howards End' becomes a symbol of England as a nation, and the question 'Who will inherit England' is tackled through the plot. It's generally a class-conscious book but DOES NOT concern the aristocrats or the poverty-stricken members of society, but solely focuses on the different level of ENGLISH MIDDLE-CLASS. Thus, it's a book teeming with bourgeois temperaments. Another aspect of the book is Forster's consideration of automobiles - technology, so to speak. See the 'THEMES' page here for more info. Hope this helps.

I'm sitting for Howards End in my A2 Level exam on the 10th! This is a waay better book than Hardy's Return of the Native.
Posted by nave h #95465 at May 30, 2009 9:23 AM || Report this post || Reply

 

You must login to post to this topic.

Existing Users

New Users

Must contain six characters and at least one digit.

Related Content for Howards End