To what extent do you agree with this analysis of.......
"The novel's motto "only connect" is usually read as a plea for emotional openness; but Forster is equally concerned with the subtle connection between a class's mentality and how it gets its means of life" (Paul Delany) To what extent do you agree with this analysis of Forster's idea of "only connect" in the novel?"Only Connect" is used as the epigraph to the novel and Paul Delany seems to agree that "emotional openness" is a universally accepted interpretation of the motto. Nevertheless, he adds a second dimension to the phrase by suggesting it could also show how money has a direct influence on the way a character's mentality is shaped. By providing a second interpretation of the motto, Delany indicates the meaning of the phrase is more complex and open to debate. Oliver Stallybrass in his Introduction to the novel demonstrates that there are various dimensions to the motto. He writes: "only connect" is "much concerned with relationships, and the possibility of reconciliation, between certain pairs of opposites: the prose and the passion, the seen and the unseen, the practical mind and the intellectual mind, the outer and the inner life"; all show the phrase is multi-layered. The novel is centred on three distinct fam
One such reaction came from Forster's own mother, in a diary entry on 19th September 1910 Forster says "mother is evidently shocked by Howards End", her reaction is typical of the time and it makes it easier to see why Helen feels they way she does. Many small incidents show that Mr Wilcox is slowly being able to make momentary, fleeting connections with his inner self. The image indicates through such personal contact with Margaret his fortress is weakening. Through Leonard Bast who is unable to be emotionally fulfilled due to his lack of finance, it is also clear that Forster is as Delany suggests equally concerned with money and shows that money and emotions are inextricably linked. inside" indicating that he has no desire to enable the building of the rainbow bridge or acknowledge that it exists. The focus here is the material things money can buy but by focusing on Leonard's home life we see that absence of money leads to an unfulfilled inner life. Within Margaret Schlegel and Ruth Wilcox's respective families two prominent figures, Henry Wilcox and Helen Schlegel, challenge the idea that any connection is possible. cannot escape from those they love no longer. It is only because of this Helen is able to say at the end of the novel "I like Henry". The image of a fortress arises again when Forster talks of the nature of Margaret and Henry's relationship, in the early stages we are told that Margaret and Henry are "advancing out of their respective families". There are many layers to the phrase "only connect" and Delany's interpretation is one of many but perhaps the only lasting 'connection' is the internal one made by Helen and Henry. Leonard Bast's suspicion first surfaces when Helen runs home with his umbrella and he is said to be "corroded with suspicion". Forster tells us it is here "his fortress gave way", leaving the possibility for internal connection, emotional openness and real communication. It is certainly important to notice that as the novel progresses individual units become more disconnected than at the start of the novel.
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Acceptance Essays
