Bedside Lamp English Learning Reader IV: Howard's End (English-Chinese Contrastive)

Author: Wang Ruoping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: Howards End is one of the important works of British writer E.M. Forster (1879-1970) and is generally regarded as his maturest and most outstanding early work. The plot is as follows: After the death of their parents, the Schlegel sisters live a comfortable life. While Helen, the younger sister, is a guest at Howards End, she falls in love with Paul at first sight, but their feelings are quickly suppressed, and the two families develop resentment. Through various twists and turns, Margaret and Mrs. Wilcox's friendship deepens. On her deathbed, Mrs. Wilcox writes a short letter to her husband, offering to leave Howards End to Margaret. However, her will angers her husband and children, who destroy the letter. Margaret and her sister unexpectedly meet Leonard Bast, a poor man who aspires to be a gentleman. Later, they listen to Mr. Wilcox's careless remarks and persuade Bast to quit his job at the insurance company, which only makes his situation worse. As time passes, Henry's fondness for Margaret grows, and he proposes to her, citing the reason of providing a place to live. Helen, accompanied by Leonard and his wife, seeks Henry's help, but this inadvertently causes a major stir. Helen leaves without saying goodbye and goes to Germany. Margaret unexpectedly learns that Bast's wife, Jacky, is Henry's mistress from ten years ago. After painful reflection, Margaret makes up with Henry and marries him as planned. Meanwhile, the furniture from Wilcox House is temporarily stored at Howards End. Helen has been refusing to return, which worries Margaret greatly. Eventually, following Henry's advice, Margaret decides to "capture" Helen. Just as the plan is about to be carried out, Margaret suddenly discovers that Helen is pregnant. Overwhelmed by emotion, Helen asks to stay at Howards End with Margaret for one night. The next morning, Charles, obeying his father's orders, goes to Howards End to drive them out but encounters Mr. Bast, who has come to apologize after much effort. In a fit of rage, Charles kills Bast and is sent to prison. Margaret stays at Howards End to care for Henry and Helen's child. After enduring various hardships and setbacks, Henry grows tired of his struggles and decides to leave the house to Margaret, who truly appreciates its value, and tells her about his former wife Lucy's will. The story ends with a scene of mowing the lawn, and Howards End returns to its quietude, "both embodying the past and representing the future."