Grotesque View of the British Society in Howard’s End and Women in Love

Grotesque View of the British Society in Howard’s End and Women in Love Eleanor Roosevelt once said that â€Å"a little simplification would be the first step toward rational living.† (Heartquotes.net) After reading Howard’s End and Women in Love, by E.M. Forster and D.H. Lawrence respectively, it has become quite clear that a little simplification could do the characters of both novels a great deal of good. In these â€Å"condition of England† novels, the ideas of love and marriage, how industrialization has affected British life and the revolution of women’s rights are all presented, analyzed, and even criticized by both authors. However, if one digs deeper, there are less obvious themes which make up the background of each story. Perhaps the most colorful background detail of each author’s portrait of England is the extreme intellectualism displayed particularly by the characters of the upper class. Through both of these pieces, it is revealed that the characters’ analytical approach to life paralyzes the ir ability to take action, has social ramifications, and has a potent effect on the attitudes the characters hold toward love. The importance of discussing how to help society is undeniable. It is fair to say that those who belong in the â€Å"haves† category have a certain moral obligation to provide some aid to those in the â€Å"have nots† category. The paradox comes in when the discussion of how to relieve the poor takes the place of taking that action. A fine example of this paralyzing intellect can be seen in Margaret and Helen from Howard’s End, as they engage in discourse regarding the poor with other members of the elite. The discussion of whether or not giving money to the poor â€Å"would be pauperizing them† (For... ... Whether the characters of Howard’s End and Women in Love have a hard time just loving another person, are paralyzed in action, or affected socially, it is clear that the new intellectualism portrayed in both novels muddles the beauty of their lives’ pictures. Instead of creating a simple, yet elegant portrait of English life, the characters of both novels allow their over-meditation to add blotches of undesirable color to their picture. Instead of a stunning depiction of England’s state, Forster and Lawrence provide the audience with a gaudy, grotesque view of British society. Though the intelligence of the upper-class may give the appearance of a more rational society, it is obvious that the characters if Howard’s End and Women in Love could live more balanced lives if they would, simply, simplify. Works Cited Heartquotes.net. HeartMath LLC. 2004.