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I think Forster doesn’t believe that real social change is actually possible.  His book shows that in the lack of social movement that ultimately occurs despite what should have been a series of society shattering events.  For goodness sake not only did Helen get pregnant out of wedlock, but it was with the son of a clerk! How much more of a shock to the system did the Wilcoxes need?  Zadie Smith has a slightly better outlook on the potential for change, but she too is restrained in that belief.  While Howard’s infidelities to create much more of a stir amongst his family, in the end there does seem the possibility that Kiki will return to Howard.  I think both Forster and Smith viewed beauty as being in direct opposition to change.  The beauty of the house in Howard’s End lures Margaret into becomes just like Mrs. Wilcox and the beauty of Vee seduces Howard back into a cheating lifestyle.  Beauty is the temptress that refuses to allow change.