Gender Boundaries in 'Howard's End'

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that in 'Howards End', the sense of gender boundaries is so vividly written that one can not only gain an in depth understanding of this novel but also of the age. The writer discusses that the reader is introduced to an unfair society within England that holds so many flaws, yet the feminist political movement is identifiable throughout. The novel itself seems to be building up to some type of significant revolution or cultural change. It does this through the excellent creation of characters like Helen, Margaret and Mr Wilcox who represent figures within the social system. The writer notes that one can see the turbulent lives of these people gradually evolve through the three main families in this novel and not only by gender boundaries but also social class. The writer concludes that the events seem to signify a divided nation that shows a clash of interests, gender and class but ultimately something has to change.

From the Paper:

"A perfect example is when Helen visits the Wilcox's and brings into the family discussion the idea of equality. Her description and opinion of Mr Wilcox's response shows just how much she fits back into the mould of the 'perfect woman', maybe without even knowing it. The simple fact that she feels ashamed of voicing a perfectly reasonable idea is brilliant in showing just how controlled women of that time were. What is even more significant is that fact that Mr Wilcox is the one doing the controlling. The final parts of the novel are in a way very different to the beginning, as the women are presented as much more libertaed especially Helen. The novel may well be representing the progression of female equality which was taking place during that period. Helen is a romantic and spontaneous but these are arguably qualities that a woman were condemned to have. Margaret has broken through by using the gift of peacemaker that she so carefully uses to make other characters closer. Despite the original feelings of many of the Wilcox family such as Charles and Dolly, it is Margaret who has succeeded in getting Howard's End along with the respect of her husband. At the very end of the novel she appears to mirror the first Mrs Wilcox through her gained experience, giving the appearance of wisdom yet has developed a larger sense of self worth and independence."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Howards End E.M. Forster
• Alexandria Yarrow http://emforster.de/hypertext/template.php3?t=howa
• Lynn Abrams Ideals of Womanhood in Victorian Britain

More papers on Gender Boundaries in 'Howard's End':

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• Research Paper # 72869 : "Gender Stereotypes in Children's Books"
• Analytical Essay # 143348 : "Male Gender Roles in Literature"

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