Date of Award

5-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

College/School

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department/Program

English

Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair

Jonathan D. Greenberg

Committee Member

Monika Elbert

Committee Member

Wendy C. Nielsen

Abstract

E. M. Forster’s novel Howards End explores transitions within early twentieth century London society’s morals, values, and class divisions. I track the progression from excess and affluence to rural, pastoral simplification within the characters’ lives and lifestyles. The first chapter examines class relations and social expectations, including a focus on consumerism, accumulation, and inheritance. Character and critics discussions in reference to class, poverty, and accumulation are reviewed. The second chapter connects Howards End to utopian communes, the dystopian society in Forster s The Machine Stops,” and examines Howards End as a site for a potential utopia. Howards End as a utopian text acts as a model or example for the rest of society. At Howards End, peace, happiness, and cooperation can be achieved, transcending class distinction and the unequal distribution of wealth.

File Format

PDF

Share

COinS