MovieChat Forums > Howards End (1993) Discussion > Question about the Wilcox residences

Question about the Wilcox residences

posted 17 years ago by jbowring
2 replies | jump to latest

Near the beginning of the film, we find out that the Wilcox family has "taken the flat opposite" the Schlegel family for the wedding of their son (Charles). My confusion is this: why? Later in the film, Margaret goes to Henry's "London house" under the pretense of renting it, as their own home is to be torn down. Why does the Wilcox family rent a flat when they have an enormous London house already? Perhaps this was a custom of the day, but if anyone can shed some light on this, please do. Thanks!

[–] saltandpepper66 17 years ago

They were rich. It was the custom of the day.

[–] angharad83 15 years ago

The first time Margaret and Helen see Henry Wilcox after Ruth's death, Meg says she is surprised to see him in London, as she had thought he would be in Howards End. He replies that Howards End is let and they have bought a house in Mayfair - I assume this is the house he shows Margaret later on?
All the same, it does seem odd not to have a pied-a-terre in London before that, seeing as that is where his company was naturally based.