HOWARDS END By E. M. Forster. Audiobook, full length

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"Howards End" is a novel written by E. M. Forster, first published in 1910. The novel explores the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of Edwardian England, focusing on the intersecting lives of three families: the wealthy and conservative Wilcoxes, the intellectual and progressive Schlegels, and the lower-middle-class Basts.

The story revolves around the country house called Howards End, which becomes a symbol of various conflicting values in English society. The Schlegel sisters, Margaret and Helen, inherit the house from their Aunt Juley, who had been friends with Ruth Wilcox, the deceased owner of Howards End. Ruth's dying wish was to bequeath the house to Margaret, but her husband, Henry Wilcox, is hesitant to fulfill this wish.

The novel delves into the clash of values and attitudes between the three families, representing different strata of society. The Schlegels, particularly Margaret, embody the intellectual and cultural elite, advocating for social justice and a more empathetic understanding between classes. The Wilcoxes, on the other hand, are portrayed as pragmatic, conservative, and representative of the business class, focused on financial success and social conventions.

The lives of these characters become intertwined through a series of events, including romantic entanglements and unforeseen connections. For example, Helen has a brief affair with Paul Wilcox, the younger son of the Wilcox family, which has significant repercussions for both families. The fates of Leonard Bast, a struggling clerk, and the Schlegel sisters become entangled with the Wilcoxes, revealing the disparities and injustices within English society.

As the narrative unfolds, Howards End itself becomes a powerful symbol of the aspiration for a harmonious integration of different social classes and values. The clash between the idealistic vision represented by the Schlegels and the pragmatic reality embodied by the Wilcoxes ultimately leads to moments of tragedy and reconciliation.

E. M. Forster uses "Howards End" to explore themes such as class struggle, the changing landscape of England during the early 20th century, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel is celebrated for its nuanced characters, social commentary, and exploration of the tensions between the old and new in a rapidly evolving society. "Howards End" remains a classic work of literature that continues to resonate with readers for its timeless exploration of human nature and societal conflicts.

CHAPTER 1 00:00:00
CHAPTER II 00:07:21
CHAPTER III 00:21:07
CHAPTER IV 00:41:32
CHAPTER V 00:58:33
CHAPTER VI 01:28:08
CHAPTER VII 01:49:25
CHAPTER VIII 02:05:49
CHAPTER IX 02:24:47
CHAPTER X 02:36:04
CHAPTER XI 02:54:18
CHAPTER XII 03:24:27
CHAPTER XIII 03:36:02
CHAPTER XIV 03:51:20
CHAPTER XV 04:12:45
CHAPTER XVI 04:37:48
CHAPTER XVII 05:01:51
CHAPTER XVIII 05:17:19
CHAPTER XIX 05:37:33
CHAPTER XX 05:56:55
CHAPTER XXI 06:13:31
CHAPTER XXII 06:16:20
CHAPTER XXIII 06:32:02
CHAPTER XXIV 06:50:32
CHAPTER XXV 07:00:20
CHAPTER XXVI 07:21:59
CHAPTER XXVII 07:55:56
CHAPTER XXVIII 08:08:50
CHAPTER XXIX 08:16:42
CHAPTER XXX 08:29:41
CHAPTER XXXI 08:43:23
CHAPTER XXXII 08:55:06
CHAPTER XXXIII 09:03:13
CHAPTER XXXIV 09:22:18
CHAPTER XXXV 09:42:53
CHAPTER XXXVI 09:51:18
CHAPTER XXXVII 09:56:58
CHAPTER XXXVIII 10:17:51
CHAPTER XXXIX 10:30:35
CHAPTER XL 10:35:09
CHAPTER XLI 10:43:55
CHAPTER XLII 11:04:30
CHAPTER XLIII 11:13:28
CHAPTER XLIV 11:24:31
More: E. M. Forster, Howards End, Audiobook
Classic literature, Romantic drama, Social commentary
Family drama, Love triangle, England
Edwardian era, Social class, Class difference
Female agency, Modernism