A Room with a View

novel by Forster

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Article History

A Room with a View, novel by E.M. Forster, published in 1908. Forster’s keen observation of character and of British life informed the work, which reflected the author’s criticism of restrictive conventional British society.

While on vacation in Italy, affluent young Lucy Honeychurch becomes attracted to passionate, vital George Emerson. Once they are back in England, however, Lucy becomes engaged to the dilettante Cecil Vyse, an emblem of bloodless English society. When the Emersons move to town, Lucy, still attracted to George, realizes that she does not love Cecil. Encouraged by George’s father, and despite opposition from her own family, she marries George, and they spend their honeymoon in Italy, which represents freedom and passion.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.