Margaret's Makeover

The reason for examining the relationships of Margaret is as E.M. Forster said, “Temperamentally, I am an individualist. Professionally, I am a writer, and my books emphasize the importance of personal relationships and the private life, for I believe in them”(Two Cheers for Democracy 321). Forster’s messages throughout his books are often conveyed through the channel of relationships. Also, Forster reveals Margaret’s makeover throughout the book by using conflicts with various characters to illustrate this message of the power of love. This is common of Forster as Lionel Trilling says. “Forster’s plots are al

In chapter five, Margaret meets Leonard at the symphony while she is there with her family. Leonard, however, is a dependent person; he desires to become an intellect and is very poor which makes this aspiration virtually impossible without the help of others. As Margaret and Leonard talk following the symphony, Margaret begins to discuss symphony and other works of culture. As she does so, Leonard becomes envious of her knowledge. He cannot, however, involve himself because of his lack of knowledge on the subject. Even though Leonard does not respond back, Margaret continues. By doing this, she makes it apparent that she is independent from other’s responses or reactions. She does not require the approval of others, nor does she necessarily look for it. In addition to this, one can see that Margaret was very independent thinking when it is noted that Margaret “wished that he (Leonard) was not so anxious to hand a lady downstairs, or to carry a lady’s programme for her[...]”(Howards End 29). Margaret felt that she did not need a man for those things. She could handle herself. It was a one-sided relationship in which Margaret was independent of Leonard, but Leonard needed Margaret to reach his goal of intellectuality.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

In chapter 25, Henry and Margaret were already planning on marrying but Margaret still held to her independence. This becomes apparent as Charles hits a cat with his car and Margaret thinks he hit a dog. Charles refuses to stop to make sure the “dog” is all right. (Howards End 152) Margaret insists Charles stop and when he does not, she jumps out of the moving vehicle. (Howards End 153) She is still very strong willed, stubborn, and independent. However, once they arrive at the wedding, Margaret’s independence begins to vanish as she says explains the whole situation to Henry.

In chapter 43, one can see that although Margaret has become somewhat dependent on Henry, she never completely loses her independent spirit. This can be seen as she decides to leave Henry and move to Germany with her sister Helen following Helen’s impregnation. However, in chapter 44 it becomes apparent that Margaret still loves Henry because her and Helen do stay with Henry. Helen explains the reason why. “I see you loving Henry, and understanding him better daily, and I know that death wouldn’t part you in the least”(Howards End 239). Henry and Margaret’s love continued to grow, and this necessitated Margaret’s dependence. As Wilfred Stone explains,

The love Margaret and Henry have for each other is one which stands despite circumstances. It is a love described in the Bible in I Corinthians 13:4-6.

Some topics in this essay:
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