The central relationship in the novel is between Henry Wilcox, who has made his fortune through the rubber industry, and the elder Schlegel sister, Margaret. The novel follows their courtship and consequent marriage through a journey of obstacles and revelations. Henry Wilcox is driven by money and power with little time for culture and intellectual thought. He is obtuse but also kindly. Margaret is an intellectual who cares for the troubles of the world but cares most for the welfare of her siblings and her husband.

The other characters in the novel represent more extreme types. Helen, Margaret's much loved younger sister, is a bohemian idealist who responds passionately to situations. Charles Wilcox is the most prosaic character. The clerk, Leonard Bast, is tormented by a glimpse of society's privileged - he is at 'the ex

Where Margaret theorises, her sister Helen acts upon her ideal that all men are created equal - including Mr Bast and Mr Wilcox. Helen's idealistic notions of equality drive her to distraction by the time of Evie's wedding where she brings the now poverty stricken Basts. She demands that Mr Wilcox see the outcome of his flippant advice and takes accountability for his actions. Flung into this uncomfortable situation Leonard comments - 'Poetry's nothing... your money, too, is nothing... There will always be rich and poor' (page 225). Leonard has become resigned to the ways of the world at the end of Edwardian England. Mr Wilcox also believes there will also be rich and poor but that comes from the theory that the fittest will survive. Helen views the situation as unjust. Margaret sees the unjustness but her stronger desire is to avoid conflict between the differing opinions of Helen and Henry.

The upbringing of the Schlegel sisters is one of liberal idealism from their German father and bone-deep Englishness from their mother's side. The maternal side of the family is represented by Aunt Juley.

In Howard's End, within the boundaries of love, truth, equality, and politics, Forster questions whether it is possible for a man to elevate his position in society by 'improving' himself. Leonard Bast tries to improve himself through 'Art and Literature'. He recognises this is what he does and yet cannot help trying to obtain 'Culture': "Oh, it was no good, this continual aspiration. Some are born cultured; the rest had better go in for whatever comes easy." (Page 67). Helen Schlegel tries to improve him through the offer of money and a job - the wealthy aiding the disadvantaged. Helen believes all men (and women - she believes in suffrage) should be given equal opportunity - an idealistic notion. Leonard is at first cheered by this, after his second visit with the sisters he is filled with 'permanent joy' that the Schlegel's 'had not found him foolish'. "Somehow the barriers of wealth had fallen, and there had been - he could not phrase it - a general assertion of the wonder of the world" (page 131). Margaret believes an outlay of money would give a man the opportunity to develop his own ideals - should he not take advantage of the opportunity, so be it. The Wilcoxes believe society is naturally formed with some weaker and some stronger. People should not challenge the status quo as this is disruptive and futile: "You do admit that, if wealth was divid

Some common words found in the essay are:
Helen Schlegel, Wilcox Evie's, Leonard Bast, Aunt Juley, Paul Wilcox, Henry Wilcox, Wilcox Helen's, Charles Wilcoxes, Helen Leonard, Despite Leonard's, evie's wedding, aunt juley, leonard bast, henry wilcox, page 235 helen, status quo, sister helen, page 235, money ideals, 'rainbow bridge', 'art literature', page 134 margaret,
Approximate Word count = 1662
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)