Summary
John Galsworthy's sweeping chronicle of an upper-middle-class English family, The Forsyte Saga stands as one of the most acclaimed works of 20th-century literature. Originally published as three separate novels between 1906 and 1921 before being collected into and released as one volume in 1922, this epic follows multiple generations of the Forsyte clan from the Victorian era through the 1920s. As the narrative unfolds across decades, it traces the family's declining social status and shifting fortunes against the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing England. Galsworthy's nuanced exploration of changing social mores, gender roles, and class dynamics earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1932.
Plot
The Forsyte Saga chronicles the lives of the wealthy Forsyte family across three generations, beginning in Victorian London in the 1880s and ending in the 1920s. The story opens with Soames Forsyte, a successful solicitor who builds a house at Robin Hill for his beautiful wife, Irene. However, their marriage is troubled, and Irene falls in love with the architect Philip Bosinney. This leads to tragedy when Soames rapes Irene and Bosinney dies in an accident, causing Irene to leave Soames.
In the second novel, both Soames and his sister Winifred face marital problems. Soames pursues Irene, hoping to have a child with her. Meanwhile, Irene develops a friendship with Soames's cousin Young Jolyon, which eventually blossoms into love after Soames accuses them of having an affair. They marry and have a son, Jon, while Soames marries a young Frenchwoman named Annette and has a daughter, Fleur.
The Forsyte Saga concludes with Jon and Fleur meeting and falling in love as young adults, unaware of their parents' history. Their romance is ultimately doomed when they learn of the past. After Jon chooses to end their relationship, Fleur becomes resigned to marrying a man she does not truly love. The story ends with Soames reflecting on all he tried to possess but never really had, as he and Irene exchange a final glance from afar.
Themes
Marriage, love, and duty
Class dynamics and social change in Victorian/Edwardian England
Generational conflict and changing values
Materialism and the desire for property
The role and rights of women in society
Family loyalty versus individual desires
Tradition versus modernity in a changing world
Setting
The Forsyte Saga is set primarily in Victorian and Edwardian London, spanning from the 1880s to the 1920s. This era was characterized by rapid social and technological change, as Britain transitioned from the height of its imperial power to the challenges of the 20th century. John Galsworthy's epic work captures the shifting values and mores of English society during this period of transformation.
While much of the action takes place in London, particularly in the wealthy neighborhoods inhabited by the upper-middle-class Forsytes, the saga also ventures to the countryside. The Robin Hill estate, built by Soames Forsyte outside of London, serves as an important setting that contrasts with the urban environment. Other locations include various seaside resorts and European destinations visited by the characters.
Within London, Galsworthy vividly depicts specific areas like Mayfair, Bayswater, and Chelsea—neighborhoods that reflect the social status and aspirations of the Forsyte family. The changing cityscape, from Victorian formality to Edwardian modernity, provides a backdrop for the family's evolving fortunes. Through these varied settings, The Forsyte Saga offers a rich portrayal of English society in a time of profound change.
Characters
Soames Forsyte: The central character and main protagonist. A successful solicitor who sees himself as a “man of property," Soames is possessive and controlling, especially towards his first wife, Irene. While struggling with his obsessive love for Irene throughout the saga, he eventually remarries and has a daughter, Fleur, who becomes his true love.
Irene Forsyte (née Heron): Soames's first wife, a lovely, fragile woman who suffers greatly in her marriage to him. She falls in love with the architect Philip Bosinney and leaves Soames after he rapes her. Eventually, Irene remarries and has a son, Jon.
Young Jolyon Forsyte: Soames's cousin and Irene's second husband. An artist who broke with family tradition by leaving his first wife for his daughter's governess, he becomes a father figure to Irene before they marry.
Fleur Forsyte: Soames's daughter from his second marriage. Headstrong and selfish like her father, Fleur falls passionately in love with Jon Forsyte. Ultimately, she marries Michael Mont.
Old Jolyon Forsyte: Young Jolyon's father and the eldest of the Forsyte siblings. A successful tea merchant, he reconciles with his estranged son and forms a close friendship with Irene in his final years.
James Forsyte: Soames's father, an anxious, pessimistic man obsessed with money and status. He is married to the placid Emily.
Winifred Dartie: Soames's sister. Married to the unreliable Montague Dartie, she is pragmatic and resilient.
June Forsyte: Young Jolyon's daughter from his first marriage. Fiercely independent and outspoken, she is engaged to Philip Bosinney before he falls for Irene.
Jon Forsyte: Son of Young Jolyon and Irene. He falls in love with his cousin Fleur but ultimately chooses family loyalty over romance.
Annette Forsyte: Soames's second wife, a young French woman who marries for security and status, and the mother of Fleur.
Philip Bosinney: An architect engaged to June Forsyte. He has a passionate affair with Irene and dies in an accident.
Michael Mont: Fleur's husband. Kindhearted and patient, he remains devoted to Fleur despite her lingering feelings for Jon.
Quick facts
The Forsyte Saga was originally published as three separate novels between 1906 and 1921 before being collected into one volume in 1922.
The character of Irene Forsyte was based on Galsworthy's wife, Ada, with whom he had an affair while she was married to his cousin.
Galsworthy won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1932, largely due to the success and acclaim of The Forsyte Saga.
The saga spans several generations of the Forsyte family from the 1880s to the 1920s, chronicling the decline of the Victorian upper-middle class.
Galsworthy wrote two additional trilogies continuing the Forsyte story, known collectively as The Forsyte Chronicles.
The character of Soames Forsyte is considered one of the great literary antiheroes of 20th-century fiction.
The 1967 BBC television adaptation of The Forsyte Saga, a 26-part series, became a global phenomenon and was the first British TV series ever sold to the Soviet Union.
A lavish 2002 ITV adaptation starred Damian Lewis as Soames and Gina McKee as Irene.
In 2003, The Forsyte Saga was listed at #123 on the BBC's survey of the UK's “best-loved novel."
Galsworthy dedicated the entire saga to his wife Ada in a framed letter that remained by her bedside until her death.
About the Author
John Galsworthy (1867-1933) was an English novelist and playwright. He is best known for The Forsyte Saga, an epic work about an upper-middle-class British family that spanned three generations, and two additional trilogies, collectively known as The Forsyte Chronicles. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1932 “for his distinguished art of narration which takes its highest form in The Forsyte Saga.”
Born into a wealthy family, Galsworthy was educated at Harrow and Oxford before reluctantly pursuing a career in law. However, he soon turned to writing full-time, publishing his first works in the late 1890s under a pseudonym. While his early novels were emotionally driven, his later work took on a more critical tone, addressing topics like hypocrisy and the exploitation of the poor. As a playwright, he often addressed social issues of his time, in a naturalistic style influenced by Henrik Ibsen. His most successful plays included The Silver Box (1906) and The Skin Game (1920).
Beyond his literary career, Galsworthy was known for his social activism. He campaigned for causes including prison reform, women's rights, and animal welfare. He served as the first president of PEN International, an organization promoting international cooperation among writers. Galsworthy was also recognized for his generosity, reportedly living on only half his income and donating the rest to various charitable causes.
