Critique of capitalist ideology in Howards End
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Department of English
Abstract
This research work tries to explore an English novel entitled "Critique of Capitalist
Ideology in Howard's End" authored by prominent English novelist, E.M. Forster. It
argues that Poor people form relationship with upper class people in search of
comfort and material quest. As a result, they make economic relationship with upper
class. If there is a diverse distribution of matter, there will always be class conflict.
The researcher will analyze the novel from Marxist perspective in order to
demonstrate such economic relationship. According to Marxism, class conflict has
shaped human civilization throughout its existence. The novel is set in 20th-century
Britain. Female protagonist, Margaret gets married with a wealthy husband because
she seeks material security. A poor man, Bast makes an affair with upper class girl,
Helen and later makes her pregnant thinking that he will outdo his poor condition.
To investigate the economic relationship among characters, the researcher has
applied ideas associated with the theory of the Marxism. By applying theory of
Marxism in the novel, the research concludes with the findings that poor people come
closer to upper-class for the sake of wealth.
Keywords: Class conflict, family breakdown, separation, upper-class, the haves, the
haves not.