Howards End

Reflecting Forster's view of the moral and emotional weaknesses of the English upper class, this novel deals with a country house called Howards End and its influence on the lives of the wealthy and materialistic Wilcoxes; the cultured, idealistic Schlegel sisters; and the poor bank clerk Leonard Bast.

Illustrating Forster's key aphorism, "Only connect," it brings together people from different classes and nations through sympathetic insight and understanding. As Lionel Trilling noted, it "eloquently addresses the question 'Who shall inherit England?'"