The action takes place in early 20th century Britain. The story revolves around members of three different families belonging to different social classes. The Wilcoxes are wealthy capitalists from the class that has replaced the aristocrats. They are cynical and calculating. The Schlegel sisters belong to the enlightened bourgeoisie. The Basts belong to the middle class. The fate of the British population is somewhat personified by the country estate of Howards End. One of the Schlegel sisters goes to visit there and falls in love with the son of the Wilcoxes.