Howard's End : ‘Only Connect’

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Ken David Burton Stronach

Howards End by E. M. Forster

HOWARDS END: 'Only Connect'

'Only Connect' is the epigraph that Forster choose to give to Howards End, and this can be overall seen to be a fitting one as the impact of these two words is portentous. By firstly using a critical method we can acknowledge that the phrase although ambiguous is somewhat penetrating and fundamental. The capitalisation of the two separate words show it to be an inscription upon the reader, as it presents the complete GOAL of the novel. The 'Only' forms a stress which places an emphasis on the following word 'Connect'. The 'Only' therefore is unique, as it suggests there is only one singular role of the novel and that is to 'Connect', thus propounding that there is a solitary definition as to the 'Connect'. While the 'Only' speaks in a direct manner, its direction is towards the ambiguous, which leaves the reader a great deal of self-determination within the novel, as the epigraph has simply formed a basis upon which to judge the characters instead of producing a compound summation of the novel. This maxim does not contain the usual clarity, balance and polish that an epigraph has come to depict, therefore inferring to us that perhaps the maxim is not in reference to the novel, but instead to the audience, therefore 'Only Connect' consequently can be perceived not only as a declaration but also as a question. Is Forster placing the parameters upon which not only to judge the novel, but also to view ourselves? Have we 'Connected'? For, we cannot consider the notion of the character's degree of 'Connection' if indeed, the same cannot be confirmed in the first person. What sort of connection are we striving to achieve? If the novel is to be determined upon this question, a simple overview of the book would suggest a linear and so physical connection between the characters, and so a triumph as the physical connection is present in abundance. Forster manages impressively to not only intertwine the lives of the characters, but also integrate the separate divisions of the social spectrum into this relationship, moreover fastening the approval to the aphorism that 'Only Connect' is an essential ingredient within the context of ones life.

A vision of life is fashioned due to the amount of connection one has in relation to others, as we are constantly attempting to 'Connect' be it physically, mentally or spiritually. Forster is asking the readership to challenge his opinion that a harmony of spirit and body could not achieved within the English middle classes as due to the neurosis concerning the obtaining of wealth, the people were not prepared to establish solid personal relations, which were not only based upon an egotistical approach. The Schlegels are therefore so interesting, as they are initially disjoined from this manner of acting or thinking, shown through their hang-up concerning Leonard Bast. Here Forster is presenting a model of class integration, and ultimately illustrating the inevitable problems concerning this area, as Leonard Bast will pay the ultimate price, and be killed due to his association with the Schlegels. However harmony within the classes may be achieved as the uniting of Margaret and Helen illustrates the restoration of the family unit and so an outcome of inner-harmony between the character. We must note that Forster is attempting to move past many class barriers in a society that is chiefly constructed on the prejudice of these barriers. However, it is their ability to forgive, and so embrace the other that allows them to 'Connect', which is a trait not possessed by Henry. However many associations in the book are formed under a Romantic belief that internal order can be brought about by LOVE and so attempting to embody the notion of a reconciliation of the opposites, within the book, through Romantic tendencies. The Love connection however is not a truly impacting connection, as no where in the book is true love moulded, but instead love based upon the want to improve and to belong, as shown through Margaret and Henry getting married, seemingly out of convenience. We must remember that in 1910 LOVE was regarded to mean engagement, engagement marriage and marriage the entwining of families. The courtship between the two is minimal, they are two completely conflicting characters, with separate ideals and backgrounds, and so the marriage is seemingly to restore reputation, and help to add structure and definition to the family unit. There is no Women in the Wilcox; after Mrs Wilcox dies, and there is no Man in the Schlegels even though a huge respect for the father is observed; shown through the sword- so connoting to a power yet serenity. We see that Henry cannot function without a wife, as his regime is evidently too capitalist and authoritarian, whereas Margaret functions to well without a Husband, as through her we are meet with an early inclination of feminism. The understanding of the personal relations and conflicting values add prominence to the question of "Who Shall Inherit England?" Howards End provides us with three social groups therefore:

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  • The materialistic and pragmatic Wilcox family, who constitute a solid work ethic, which places a heavy duty on a conventional socialistic morality.
  • The literary and cultural Schlegel family, who represent the idealistic and naturally intellectual aspect of the upper class.
  • The real working class of the twentieth century, which can be defined as the petty bourgeoisie, represented by the Bast family, and spearheaded by Leonard Bast who seeks, through education, to save himself from social and economic desolation.

Ultimately this question evolves into "Who Shall Inherit Howards End", as through the interplay between the characters we are presented ...

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