# Ruth Wilcox — Howards End character guide

> Ruth Wilcox in Howards End by E. M. Forster.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Mrs. Wilcox, Mrs. Warrington Wilcox, poor Mrs. Wilcox, Ruth

**First appearance:** 0000-i

## Who they are

Henry's first wife, a quiet, intuitive woman who belongs to Howards End more than to any person, and who recognizes a kindred spirit in Margaret.

## In the story

### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/i)

Described as quieter and sweeter, with steady unselfishness; seen in the garden smelling hay and watching flowers.

### [Chapter III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/iii)

Calmly intervenes to resolve the awkward situation, showing wisdom and authority.

### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/iv)

Steps in from the garden to calm the situation when Charles and Aunt Juley argue; Helen believes she knew everything about the romance without being told.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/viii)

Lying ill in bed, she receives Margaret's visit and discusses family matters, revealing her gentle and reflective demeanor.

### [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/ix)

The guest of honor, she feels out of place among the intellectual chatter, but reveals her quiet wisdom and domestic values.

### [Chapter X](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/x)

Invites Margaret to Howards End, shows deep attachment to her house, and is intercepted by her husband and daughter at King's Cross.

### [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/xi)

Though deceased, her bequest and the mystery surrounding her final wishes dominate the chapter; remembered as steady and innocent by Henry.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/xii)

Her death is remembered as dignified and proportionate; Margaret sees her as having escaped societal registration.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/xv)

Mentioned in passing as Mr. Wilcox has forgotten her; her absence is felt in the conversation about Howards End.

### [XXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/xxiii)

Mentioned by the old woman who mistakes Margaret for her; her presence haunts the house.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/xxiv)

Referenced indirectly through the history of Howards End and the wych-elm tree, but not named by Henry.

### [XXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/xxviii)

Margaret thinks of Mrs. Wilcox's wrong and her ghost, leaving her to her own wrong.

### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/xxxi)

Mentioned in Henry's thoughts as 'poor old Ruth,' who never discovered his infidelities.

### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/xxxviii)

Mentioned by Henry as someone whose memory he must consider, and by Margaret as the wife Henry betrayed.

### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/xxxix)

Referenced indirectly through Charles's recollection of his mother's legacy and the Schlegels' campaign.

### [Chapter XL](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/xl)

Revered by Margaret as a figure of deep knowledge and reality, symbolizing the house and its enduring spirit.

### [XLIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/chapters/xliv)

Though deceased, her earlier wish to leave Howards End to Margaret is finally acknowledged and fulfilled, shaping the chapter's resolution.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/characters/ruth_wilcox
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/howards_end_se/characters