Howard's End Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 39 Summary

Chapter 39 Summary

Charles is on a mission to find out Helen's secret and he is questioning Tibby relentlessly at the house on Ducie St. He has had quite enough of the Schlegels in his life and this is the last offense. He is also perplexed that Tibby does not seem too upset about Helen's situation and certainly is not taking on the role of her protector.

Tibby, unwittingly tells Charles that Helen had mentioned someone named Bast, and that is all the ammunition Charles needs. Without intending to, Tibby feels that he has betrayed his sister and he also feels inadequate that the cunning Charles has bested him.

Chapter 39 Analysis

Sweet, gentle Tibby is unprepared to encounter the vicious, desperate Charles. They have nothing in common and become the perfect metaphor for the forces that are now pulling at poor Helen who is trapped between her past and her imminent future.