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Illustrated portrait of Mrs. Hall

A character in Maurice

Mrs. Hall

Maurice’s respectable mother, connected to the family expectations and domestic future he eventually leaves.

What they want in The novel’s account

To see Maurice settled into the respectable adult life his class and family consider natural.

The book

Cover of Maurice by E. M. Forster
MauriceE. M. Forster, 1971

A respectable Englishman stops treating his love for men as an illness and chooses a dangerous but honest future.

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At a glance

Family
Maurice’s mother
Class
Upper-middle-class
Function
Represents family expectations

Who they are in the book

Spoiler-free

Mrs. Hall inhabits the ordinary family world in which Maurice is expected to marry and continue the established pattern. She does not possess the knowledge that would let her understand his conflict.

Her role makes Maurice’s final departure personal as well as social: he is leaving expectations held by people who may never know why.

How the book draws them

Appearance, manner, and tone — as the book sketches them, in our words.

  • Respectable English motherHer appearance reflects an established household.
  • Edwardian domestic clothingPeriod detail remains understated.
  • Composed expressionShe represents routine expectation, not villainy.
  • Maternal reserveAffection and incomprehension can coexist.
  • Close engraved bustNo household scenery appears.
  • Muted violet accentThe color differentiates her from Anne.
What happens to Mrs. HallHow the book leaves them, what happened after, and what the record says. Open when you're ready.

Maurice’s choice of Alec takes him outside the future Mrs. Hall expects. The novel does not give her full knowledge of his final decision.

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