The Forsyte Saga: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Forsyte Saga" is a literary work that intricately explores the lives and relationships of the Forsyte family, particularly focusing on themes of wealth, love, and societal expectations. At the heart of the saga are complex characters, such as Soames Forsyte, a man deeply troubled by his inability to understand his wife Irene's unhappiness, which leads to tragic consequences, including a violent act against her. Irene emerges as a pivotal character, torn between her oppressive marriage and her love for the architect Philip Bosinney, whose fate intertwines tragically with hers.
Old Jolyon Forsyte, representing a more compassionate perspective, often contrasts the more materialistic views of his family. He navigates strained relationships with his son Young Jolyon and his granddaughter June, who herself faces humiliation due to love's complications. The generational dynamics are further illustrated through Young Jolyon's struggles and eventual reconciliation with his father, and his protective stance towards Irene, whom he comes to love. This multi-layered narrative examines not only personal conflicts but also the societal norms of the time, showcasing the persistence of familial legacies and the quest for personal fulfillment amidst societal constraints.
The Forsyte Saga: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: John Galsworthy
First published: 1922 (originally published as The Man of Property, 1906; In Chancery, 1920; To Let, 1921; “Indian Summer of a Forsyte”; and “Awakening”)
Genre: Novels
Locale: London and rural England
Plot: Family
Time: 1886–1920
Soames Forsyte, the son of James Forsyte and the grandson of the founder of the family fortune, Jolyon Forsyte (“Superior Dosset”). Soames cannot understand why his wife, whose every material need is met, is not happy with him. When he finds out about her affair with Philip Bosinney, Soames sues him, determined to drive him bankrupt. Asserting his marital rights, he rapes Irene.
Irene Heron Forsyte, Soames's beautiful wife. After marrying Soames, she discovered that she found him sexually repellent. In the architect Philip Bosinney, she finds a man she can love. After the rape, she leaves Soames; however, when Bosinney is run over after she has told him about the rape, she feels responsible for her lover's death. Near collapse, she returns home.
Jolyon Forsyte (Old Jolyon), an eighty-year-old man who is especially fond of children. Because of his love for his little granddaughter June Forsyte, he sided with his daughter-in-law against his only son, Young Jolyon. After not seeing him for fourteen years, however, Old Jolyon seeks out his son, reestablishes their old relationship of total trust, and becomes close to the two young grandchildren he has never known. To please June and to spite his brother James, he buys the house at Robin Hill, which Bosinney had built for Soames.
Jolyon Forsyte (Young Jolyon), the son of Old Jolyon, a painter, who like his father is not a typical Forsyte. When he left his wife for another woman, young Jolyon and his father became estranged. After they begin to see each other again, they soon become as close as before.
June Forsyte, Young Jolyon's daughter by his first wife. After her engagement to Bosinney has been formally announced, June is humiliated by his well-known involvement with Irene. Because she still loves Bosinney, she urges her grandfather to help him extricate himself from his financial difficulties.
Jolyon Forsyte (Old Jolyon), now eighty-five years old. He lives contentedly at Robin Hill with his son and his three grandchildren. After a chance encounter with Irene, who has left her husband, Old Jolyon befriends her. During June's absence, she often comes to visit him. He is happily anticipating her arrival at the time of his death.
Soames Forsyte, who yearns for a son to carry on the family name. Soames decides that he must obtain a divorce from Irene. He has selected a young, practical French woman, Annette Lamotte, as a suitable wife for him and the future mother of his child. He cannot, however, stay away from Irene, whom he still considers his property. A detective's report on her involvement with Young Jolyon prompts Soames to sue for divorce, naming Young Jolyon as co-respondent. Soames marries Annette, and they have a daughter.
Irene Heron Forsyte, Soames's estranged wife, who is determined to get away from Soames. In Young Jolyon, she has a dependable, understanding friend and, in time, a devoted lover. After the divorce, she marries Young Jolyon and moves to Robin Hill. They have a son, Jon.
Jolyon Forsyte (Young Jolyon), a widower. Appointed by his father as trustee of the large bequest to Irene, Jolyon feels compelled to protect her from Soames and his unwelcome attentions. Traveling together in Europe, Young Jolyon and Irene realize that they love each other.
Jolyon Forsyte (Jolly), the older son of Young Jolyon. He is a student at Oxford when the Boer War breaks out. When Val accuses him of being pro-Boer, he enlists. He dies of disease in South Africa.
Winifred Dartie, Soames's sister, who is deserted by her spendthrift husband and begins divorce proceedings. When he returns, she takes him back.
Publius Valerius (Val) Dartie, their son. He marries Holly Forsyte. He is wounded in South Africa and returns home.
Holly Forsyte, Young Jolyon's daughter and Val Dartie's wife.
Jolyon Forsyte (Jon), the son of Young Jolyon and Irene. At the age of five, he is aware of his parents' love for each other and his mother's beauty.
Soames Forsyte, whose wife cares nothing for him and who loves only his daughter. He is appalled by the idea that she might marry Irene's son.
Fleur Forsyte, Soames's daughter. She is determined to marry Jon, but she has to settle for Michael Mont.
Jolyon Forsyte (Young Jolyon), who writes Jon a letter describing Soames's mistreatment of Irene but dies before Jon finishes reading it.
Irene Forsyte, who, seeing that Fleur has inherited Soames's selfishness, begs Jon not to marry her.
Jolyon Forsyte (Jon), who has loved Fleur since he first met her. He nevertheless breaks off their engagement, telling her that he must respect his father's last wishes.