Complete Plays of John Galsworthy, by John Galsworthy.

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THE COMPLETE PLAYS OF JOHN GALSWORTHY

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CONTENTS:

First Series:

The Silver Box

Joy

Strife

Second Series:

The Eldest Son

The Little Dream

Justice

Third Series:

The Fugitive

The Pigeon

The Mob

Fourth Series:

A Bit O' Love

The Foundations

The Skin Game

Six Short Plays:

The First and The Last

The Little Man

Hall-marked

Defeat

The Sun

Punch and Go

Fifth Series:

A Family Man

Loyalties

Windows

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First Series:

The Silver Box

Joy

Strife

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4040175632

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PLAYS - FIRST SERIES:

THE SILVER BOX

JOY

STRIFE

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Theme of this first series, in first and last of the plays, seems to be depiction of how justice is skewed by prevalent caste systems of the ambient society, whether feudal or related to financial status in other ways, gender, and more.

The middle one is more complex, along the lines developed in first part of the Forsyte Saga.

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THE SILVER BOX

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4039834876

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The Silver Box, by John Galsworthy.

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Abusive husbands are horrible enough without added trials and travails their wives must face when they make a scene and make the wife lose face socially; but when such a man steals from home of his wife's employer, and suspicion falls on her, because people are unaware he was there, it's much too much.

Galsworthy pairs the offenders across castes - Jones stole from young Barthwick after the latter had snatched a young woman's reticule, and latter has to face his father when the woman comes for her money, even as Mrs Jones is suspected of the theft her husband committed.

And, as if her travails weren't enough, Barthwick senior the employer opines Mrs Jones ought not consider leaving her husband, despite being abused physically. To him, that would be immoral of her! He claims being liberal, but only wishes to avoid prosecuting Jones when chances are his son would be implicated!

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And if these injustices weren't enough, there are the lives children on street because their mother abandoned the family, the father being out of work.

"BARTHWICK. [Speaking behind his hand.] A painful case, Roper; very distressing state of things.

"ROPER. Hundreds like this in the Police Courts."

Galsworthy must have seen such circumstances around commonly, as must everyone of the era; few wrote about it. Most were busy singing paens of glory of the empire that looted India while millions starved to death there.

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Jones catches young Barthwick out.

"JONES. May I ask the gentleman a question?

"MAGISTRATE. Yes—yes—you may ask him what questions you like.

"JONES. Don't you remember you said you was a Liberal, same as your father, and you asked me wot I was?

"JACK. [With his hand against his brow.] I seem to remember——

"JONES. And I said to you, "I'm a bloomin' Conservative," I said; an' you said to me, "You look more like one of these 'ere Socialists. Take wotever you like," you said."

But when Jones refers to Jack stealing the woman's reticule, which is brought out by the court officials, he's hushed.

"JONES. [Stopping and twisting round.] Call this justice? What about 'im? 'E got drunk! 'E took the purse—'e took the purse but [in a muffled shout] it's 'is money got 'im off—JUSTICE!"

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And, Jack having gone scot free while Jones is imprisoned, Barthwick is too short of courage to do justice even to Mrs Jones and her children.

"[The Court is in a stir. ROPER gets up and speaks to the reporter. JACK, throwing up his head, walks with a swagger to the corridor; BARTHWICK follows.]

"MRS. JONES. [Turning to him zenith a humble gesture.] Oh! sir!

"[BARTHWICK hesitates, then yielding to his nerves, he makes a shame-faced gesture of refusal, and hurries out of court. MRS. JONES stands looking after him.]"

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June 03, 2021 - June 04, 2021.

Purchased June 14, 2013.

Kindle Edition, 121 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published 1911)

ASIN:- B0084B3H16

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JOY

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4040168066

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Joy, by John Galsworthy.

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Here Galsworthy is close to the very first book in his Forsyte Saga, and in Forsyte Chronicles, with the exception that the young woman involved is the daughter, Joy, of the married woman here, instead of the niece by marriage that she was in Forsyte Saga - Forsyte Chronicles.

Joy is slightly more fortunate in being loved, unlike the niece in Forsyte Saga - Forsyte Chronicles, who lost her fiance to her aunt, and remained single.

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"DICK. But it does. The thing is to look at it as if it was n't yourself. If it had been you and me in love, Joy, and it was wrong, like them, of course [ruefully] I know you'd have decided right. [Fiercely.] But I swear I should have decided wrong. [Triumphantly.] That 's why I feel I understand your Mother."

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"JOY. [In a whisper.] Dick, is love always like this?

"DICK. [Putting his arms around her, with conviction.] It's never been like this before. It's you and me!"

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June 04, 2021 - June 04, 2021.

Purchased June 14, 2013.

Kindle Edition, 92 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published June 1st 2004)

Original Title:- Joy

ASIN:- B0084B3PUE

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Strife, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4022293963

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The play, published in 1909, begins with a discussion amongst management about strikes, and the conversation begins by one asking for a screen for the fire, which, another points out, the strikers wouldn't need. Galsworthy might have written thus with experience of both worlds, in an era when industrial world was beginning to deal with labour consciousness about rights on the rise, at least right to survival.

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"Wasn't the work o' my brains bought for seven hundred pounds, and has n't one hundred thousand pounds been gained them by that seven hundred without the stirring of a finger. It is a thing that will take as much and give you as little as it can. That's Capital! A thing that will say—"I'm very sorry for you, poor fellows—you have a cruel time of it, I know," but will not give one sixpence of its dividends to help you have a better time. That's Capital! ... I looked into his eyes and I saw he was afraid—afraid for himself and his dividends; afraid for his fees, afraid of the very shareholders he stands for; and all but one of them's afraid—like children that get into a wood at night, and start at every rustle of the leaves. I ask you, men—[he pauses, holding out his hand till there is utter silence]—give me a free hand to tell them: "Go you back to London. The men have nothing for you!" [A murmuring.] Give me that, an' I swear to you, within a week you shall have from London all you want."

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"There is only one way of treating "men"—with the iron hand. This half and half business, the half and half manners of this generation, has brought all this upon us. Sentiment and softness, and what this young man, no doubt, would call his social policy. You can't eat cake and have it! This middle-class sentiment, or socialism, or whatever it may be, is rotten. Masters are masters, men are men! Yield one demand, and they will make it six. They are [he smiles grimly] like Oliver Twist, asking for more. If I were in their place I should be the same. But I am not in their place. Mark my words: one fine morning, when you have given way here, and given way there—you will find you have parted with the ground beneath your feet, and are deep in the bog of bankruptcy; and with you, floundering in that bog, will be the very men you have given way to."

"A woman has died. I am told that her blood is on my hands; I am told that on my hands is the starvation and the suffering of other women and of children.

"EDGAR. I said "on our hands," sir.

"ANTHONY. It is the same. [His voice grows stronger and stronger, his feeling is more and more made manifest.] I am not aware that if my adversary suffer in a fair fight not sought by me, it is my fault. If I fall under his feet—as fall I may—I shall not complain. That will be my look-out—and this is—his. I cannot separate, as I would, these men from their women and children. A fair fight is a fair fight! Let them learn to think before they pick a quarrel!"

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"SCANTLEBURY. [Behind his hand to TENCH.] Look after the Chairman! He's not well; he's not well—he had no lunch. If there's any fund started for the women and children, put me down for—for twenty pounds."

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"ROBERTS. Then you're no longer Chairman of this Company! [Breaking into half-mad laughter.] Ah! ha-ah, ha, ha! They've thrown ye over thrown over their Chairman: Ah-ha-ha! [With a sudden dreadful calm.] So—they've done us both down, Mr. Anthony?

"[ENID, hurrying through the double-doors, comes quickly to her father.]

"ANTHONY. Both broken men, my friend Roberts!"

"[ANTHONY rises with an effort. He turns to ROBERTS who looks at him. They stand several seconds, gazing at each other fixedly; ANTHONY lifts his hand, as though to salute, but lets it fall. The expression of ROBERTS'S face changes from hostility to wonder. They bend their heads in token of respect. ANTHONY turns, and slowly walks towards the curtained door. Suddenly he sways as though about to fall, recovers himself, and is assisted out by EDGAR and ENID; UNDERWOOD follows, but stops at the door. ROBERTS remains motionless for several seconds, staring intently after ANTHONY, then goes out into the hall.]"

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May 24, 2021 - May 26, 2021.

Purchased August 12, 2013.

Kindle Edition, 84 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published 1909)

ASIN:- B0084B3MXO

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May 24, 2021 - May 26, 2021.

June 03, 2021 - June 04, 2021.

June 04, 2021 - June 04, 2021.

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Plays: Second Series:

The Eldest Son

The Little Dream

Justice

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4045137926

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The Eldest Son, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4041838715

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This play in its theme is similar to another one, The Silver Box, by Galsworthy, in that there are two young men across caste lines whose crime is same, but result different due to status; the difference in the two plays is the nature of the crime, and every other circumstance and more.

Here it's not about theft, but about marriage, or rather, refusal or inability to marry even when there's a baby coming, and how society looks at such conduct. The latter, while it should be, is far from independent of the social caste of the couple, and that's mostly the point.

Galsworthy has solved it a tad close to convenient but attempting to save some grace, by the angry father of the girl giving her courage through his pride, to refuse the young master's "offer of marriage", which the young boy has made not only firmly but stuck to despite his almost whole family attempting to dissuade him; nevertheless, one has to wonder why the lot weren't amenable to the young boy's scheme of marrying and relocating to Canada, why they thought it was tragic, why they thought the marriage must fail. In the social setup of rigid castes in England or Britain, they could be predicting correctly; but in say, California, it wouldn't have mattered. Or even in the snobbish Southrn society, where the girl would be considered more of a lady than in Britain, while his antecedents would be serving him better than his ability to earn, the latter unproved as long as he lived in Britain.

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June 04, 2021 - June 05, 2021.

Purchased June 14, 2013.

Kindle Edition, 68 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published September 1st 1964)

Original Title

The Eldest Son: A Domestic Drama in Three Acts

ASIN:- B0084B3L1C

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The Little Dream, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4022510726

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A charming play, not only reminding one of alpine air and snow clad peaks, wildflowers and streams, clear air much more.

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May 26, 2021 - May 26, 2021.

Purchased August 12, 2013.

Kindle Edition, 31 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published September 26th 2004)

ASIN:- B0084B3RZC

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Justice, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4045129527

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Calder, a new junior clerk in the How law office, has changed a cheque from nine pounds to ninety pounds, expecting it to be blamed on the clerk he'd replaced, who's migrated to Australia. He's caught squarely because the cheque book was in pocket of How junior who was out of town, and the change from nine to ninety pounds was recorded on the stub as well, so the person who migrated coukdnt hsve done it.

But the day he was caught was the night he expected to get out of town with Ruth Honeywell and her children, trying to save her from her abusive husband who's threatened to slit her throat.

Galsworthy has a defence lawyer pleading, apart from circumstances, a weak character for the poòr young man; which makes one wonder. Would they portray him as a weak character in the rough West if, under same circumstances, he stole the money, to help the woman he loved so she could flee with him and escape the murderous husband? Or would he be seen as a hero, even, to be helped further by a stronger hero?

Perhaps Galsworthy said it in a nutshell through the defence lawyer who says:-

" ... Gentlemen, Justice is a machine that, when some one has once given it the starting push, rolls on of itself. Is this young man to be ground to pieces under this machine for an act which at the worst was one of weakness? Is he to become a member of the luckless crews that man those dark, ill-starred ships called prisons? ... "

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June 05, 2021 - June 07, 2021.

Purchased June 14, 2013.

Kindle Edition, 97 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published 1910)

Original Title Justice

ASIN:- B0084B3U6I

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May 26, 2021 - June 07, 2021.

Purchased June 08, 2021.

Kindle Edition, 196 pages

Published March 24th 2011

(first published July 17th 2006)

ASIN:- B004TP12PY

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Third Series:

The Fugitive

The Pigeon

The Mob

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4049278083

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Plays: Third Series:

The Fugitive

The Pigeon

The Mob

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The Fugitive, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4047061150

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Here again Galsworthy goes into the theme of marital incompatibility that he began Forsyte Saga with, where stolid and prosaic has married sensitive without the former understanding the forthcoming disaster.

Here, unlike in Forsyte Saga, the latter had no clue, either. But in Forsyte Saga, having a premonition and hesitation, leading to putting conditions asking for freedom if it didn't work, didn't work for Irene as she'd hoped, either - her then husband simply insisted on his rights, refused separation and even refused to respect separate rooms, and the wife had no legal or physical recourse if she had no financial independence.

As in the previous play in the Complete Works of John Galsworthy, the tragic end here hurts deeply, the turn impressing on one just how inexorably helpless an innocent was rendered by the grinding of wheels that chose to go over anyone who stepped out of chains.

And yet, this social setup wasn't about morals, as evident by the goings on in upper castes right up to the royals, from at least Henry VIII onwards till date - and especially during the times this play was written, as evident from history of the era, and exposed in at least Apple Cart by George Bernard Shaw.

So the victimisation of women took place when they chose to go against the supposed morality by demanding a separation from a husband, but only if they did so without first ensuring a more powerful protector of sorts, whether a blood relative or another lover.

It's not that different from the setup depicted in the autobiographical work of Tehmina Durrani, at that.

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"TWISDEN. Yes! Mrs. Dedmond! There's the bedrock difficulty. As you haven't money, you should never have been pretty. You're up against the world, and you'll get no mercy from it. We lawyers see too much of that. I'm putting it brutally, as a man of the world.

"CLARE. Thank you. Do you think you quite grasp the alternative?

"TWISDEN. [Taken aback] But, my dear young lady, there are two sides to every contract. After all, your husband's fulfilled his."

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"MALISE. [Twisting the card] Let there be no mistake, sir; I do nothing that will help give her back to her husband. She's out to save her soul alive, and I don't join the hue and cry that's after her. On the contrary—if I had the power. If your father wants to shelter her, that's another matter. But she'd her own ideas about that.

"HUNTINGDON. Perhaps you don't realize how unfit my sister is for rough and tumble. She's not one of this new sort of woman. She's always been looked after, and had things done for her. Pluck she's got, but that's all, and she's bound to come to grief.

"MALISE. Very likely—the first birds do. But if she drops half-way it's better than if she'd never flown. Your sister, sir, is trying the wings of her spirit, out of the old slave market. For women as for men, there's more than one kind of dishonour, Captain Huntingdon, and worse things than being dead, as you may know in your profession."

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"MALISE. Had a very bad time?

"CLARE. [Nodding] I'm spoilt. It's a curse to be a lady when you have to earn your living. It's not really been so hard, I suppose; I've been selling things, and living about twice as well as most shop girls."

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Prevalent social atmosphere forced a change to the wordings of the play, one supposes!

"CLARE. [Hardly above a whisper] Because—if you still wanted me— I do—now.

"[Etext editors note: In the 1924 revision, 11 years after this 1913 edition: "I do—now" is changed to "I could—now"— a significant change in meaning. D.W.]"

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June 07, 2021 - June 08, 2021.

Purchased June 14, 2013.

Kindle Edition, 101 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published February 1913)

ASIN:- B0084B3S4W

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The Pigeon, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4047376716

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About charity, religion, heart, practical facts, ..... and human nature that refuses to fit into definitions, boundaries, principles, or even practical necessities!

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"FERRAND. Ah! Monsieur, I am loafer, waster—what you like—for all that [bitterly] poverty is my only crime. If I were rich, should I not be simply veree original, 'ighly respected, with soul above commerce, travelling to see the world? And that young girl, would she not be "that charming ladee," "veree chic, you know!" And the old Tims—good old-fashioned gentleman—drinking his liquor well. Eh! bien—what are we now? Dark beasts, despised by all. That is life, Monsieur. [He stares into the fire.]"

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"FERRAND. [Eagerly.] Monsieur, it is just that. You understand. When we are with you we feel something—here—[he touches his heart.] If I had one prayer to make, it would be, Good God, give me to understand! Those sirs, with their theories, they can clean our skins and chain our 'abits—that soothes for them the aesthetic sense; it gives them too their good little importance. But our spirits they cannot touch, for they nevare understand. Without that, Monsieur, all is dry as a parched skin of orange."

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"FERRAND. Monsieur, of their industry I say nothing. They do a good work while they attend with their theories to the sick and the tame old, and the good unfortunate deserving. Above all to the little children. But, Monsieur, when all is done, there are always us hopeless ones. What can they do with me, Monsieur, with that girl, or with that old man? Ah! Monsieur, we, too, 'ave our qualities, we others—it wants you courage to undertake a career like mine, or like that young girl's. We wild ones—we know a thousand times more of life than ever will those sirs. They waste their time trying to make rooks white. Be kind to us if you will, or let us alone like Mees Ann, but do not try to change our skins. Leave us to live, or leave us to die when we like in the free air. If you do not wish of us, you have but to shut your pockets and—your doors—we shall die the faster."

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June 08, 2021 - June 08, 2021.

Purchased August 12, 2013.

Kindle Edition, 87 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published 1912)

Original Title

The Pigeon: A Fantasy in Three Acts

ASIN:- B0084B3SGK

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The Mob, by John Galsworthy.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4049273255

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That Galsworthy was revolutionary in his thinking for his times, at least, is known to anyone who read his most famous Forsyte Saga, and is acquainted with the strictures against women then; but that he was so ahead of his times as to see through blinkers of colonial prejudices that most so called progressive and liberal intellectuals of West failed to do, is astounding.

The finale here is strongly reminiscent of the scene in All Roads Lead to Calvary, by Jerome K. Jerome, where a soldier turned conscientious objector after having fought in the war halfway through and wounded, his change of mind due to the carnagè rather than personal injury, is torn to shreds by a civilian mob in his hometown in a frenzy.

Galsworthy portrays effectively the turning of a supposedly civilised country into a mob when attempting to put down another, small nation, even more so when it's another culture, another race. This play could be about any of the wars fought in such an endeavour, or even about the massacre at Amritsar by Dyer, which was not approved by the then British government of India - Dyer was sent home in disgrace for massacre of unarmed civilians who had no chance to escape from the enclosed garden as he blocked the one gate with a tank, ordering soldiers to open fire till everyone died, every child and woman and old person as well - but his fellow officers, especially their wives, sympathised with Dyer, had a grand farewell organised for him, and as for the British government back in Britain, they promoted him!

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"SIR JOHN. We didn't begin this business.

"MORE. What! With our missionaries and our trading?

"THE DEAN. It is news indeed that the work of civilization may be justifiably met by murder. Have you forgotten Glaive and Morlinson?

"SIR JOHN. Yes. And that poor fellow Groome and his wife?

"MORE. They went into a wild country, against the feeling of the tribes, on their own business. What has the nation to do with the mishaps of gamblers?"

"THE DEAN. Does our rule bring blessing—or does it not, Stephen?

"MORE. Sometimes; but with all my soul I deny the fantastic superstition that our rule can benefit a people like this, a nation of one race, as different from ourselves as dark from light—in colour, religion, every mortal thing. We can only pervert their natural instincts."

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"SHELDER. There are very excellent reasons for the Government's policy.

MORE. There are always excellent reasons for having your way with the weak.

"SHELDER. My dear More, how can you get up any enthusiasm for those cattle-lifting ruffians?

"MORE. Better lift cattle than lift freedom.

"SHELDER. Well, all we'll ask is that you shouldn't go about the country, saying so.

"MORE. But that is just what I must do.

"[Again they all look at MORE in consternation.]

"HOME. Not down our way, you'll pardon me.

"WACE. Really—really, sir——

"SHELDER. The time of crusades is past, More.

"MORE. Is it?

"BANNING. Ah! no, but we don't want to part with you, Mr. More. It's a bitter thing, this, after three elections. Look at the 'uman side of it! To speak ill of your country when there's been a disaster like this terrible business in the Pass. There's your own wife. I see her brother's regiment's to start this very afternoon. Come now—how must she feel?"

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"MORE. [Turning on him] Mr. Home a great country such as ours—is trustee for the highest sentiments of mankind. Do these few outrages justify us in stealing the freedom of this little people?

"BANNING. Steal—their freedom! That's rather running before the hounds.

"MORE. Ah, Banning! now we come to it. In your hearts you're none of you for that—neither by force nor fraud. And yet you all know that we've gone in there to stay, as we've gone into other lands—as all we big Powers go into other lands, when they're little and weak. The Prime Minister's words the other night were these: "If we are forced to spend this blood and money now, we must never again be forced." What does that mean but swallowing this country?

"SHELDER. Well, and quite frankly, it'd be no bad thing.

"HOME. We don't want their wretched country—we're forced.

"MORE. We are not forced.

"SHELDER. My dear More, what is civilization but the logical, inevitable swallowing up of the lower by the higher types of man? And what else will it be here?"

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"MORE. [Above the murmurs] My fine friends, I'm not afraid of you. You've forced your way into my house, and you've asked me to speak. Put up with the truth for once! [His words rush out] You are the thing that pelts the weak; kicks women; howls down free speech. This to-day, and that to-morrow. Brain—you have none. Spirit—not the ghost of it! If you're not meanness, there's no such thing. If you're not cowardice, there is no cowardice [Above the growing fierceness of the hubbub] Patriotism—there are two kinds—that of our soldiers, and this of mine. You have neither!"

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June 08, 2021 - June 09, 2021.

Purchased June 08, 2021.

Kindle Edition, 81 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published June 1914)

Original Title:-

The Mob : a Play in Four Acts

ASIN:- B0084B3XR4

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ASIN BOO84B3SGK belongs to The Pigeon, by John Galsworthy, publication by Public Domain; Goodreads did not yield that in search, and this edition of

Plays: Third Series: The Fugitive -- The Pigeon -- The Mob

by John Galsworthy

got created by mistake, despite that original existing in Goodreads catalogue and having been bought on Amazon as long ago as 2013. Why did Goodreads not bring up the book when searched by ASIN?

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June 07, 2021 - June 09, 2021.

Purchased June 08, 2021.

Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2011.

(first published July 20th 2006)

Original Title:- Plays: Third Series:

The Fugitive -- The Pigeon -- The Mob

ASIN:- B004TP07AA

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Fourth Series:

A Bit O' Love

The Foundations

The Skin Game

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4055830431

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Plays: Fourth Series:

A Bit O' Love,

the Foundations,

the Skin Game;

by John Galsworthy.

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Fourth Series:

A Bit O' Love

The Foundations

The Skin Game

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A Bit O' Love, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4050928679

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Galsworthy begins this play with a curate, desperately in love with his wife and trying his utmost to do good in a small village where most people (and not just women - and girls -), gossip, losing his wife to the love she had for another man, a doctor in a nearby small town.

Her plight is not different from what Galsworthy has dealt with in various works, caught as she is in a marriage without love that she tried to convince herself she could make work; it's his character that's different from the run-of-the-mill husband enforcing his will, trapping the wife in marriage, or at least insisting she stays away from her love or he would destroy the guy. Here the good curate lets her go, promising not to hurt them, however much in pain he is himself at the break.

What's even tougher than his devastation is the craziness of the reactions from most of the villagers, and even more so their actions. What's a saving grace is decency of the few.

Galsworthy attempts in this play to spell out the villagers' speech with its dialect. It's distracting when reading. Perhaps he could have made two versions, one properly spelt for reader and another for performance personnel.

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June 09, 2021 - June 10, 2021.

Purchased June 08, 2021.

Kindle Edition, 71 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published 1894)

ASIN:- B0084B3Y3W

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The Foundations, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4052806018

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THE FOUNDATIONS (AN EXTRAVAGANT PLAY)

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Delightful, the first act, what with Little Anne and almost everyone else! This is despite the bomb found in the wine cellar, too.

The second act brings us the possible one responsible, not so delightful. The gas man leaving a selfmade bomb in the wine cellar of the house he serviced, a home of a family with at least one child, is horrible enough; his bragging about it to his old mother whom he's unable to support, even as he drinks the bottle of port he stole from that cellar, is enough to bring disgust on himself.

Until he gets to speaking political philosophy, thst is - then he's a character out of a play by George Bernard Shaw! From Alfred Do little on, his speech could fit half a dozen of them.

The mother, old Mrs Lemmy, is another story.

But Galsworthy returns to the spirit after the second act, and after a great third act, one is left as curious as Little Anne at the end.

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June 10, 2021 - June 11, 2021.

Purchased June 14, 2013.

Kindle Edition, 97 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published 1920)

Original Title

The Foundations

ASIN:- B0084B3XKQ

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The Skin Game, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4055819654

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About the new wealth of trade and industry, encroaching on old landed gentry, but without the breeding or bringing up to understand the noblesse oblige creed of looking after the tenants, or of carrying out promises.

And as they blunder on, goading the neighbourhood beyond endurance, they forget others can play those games too, only, they've not done so for a while.

"HILLCRIST. I'd forgotten their existence. [He gets up] What is it that gets loose when you begin a fight, and makes you what you think you're not? What blinding evil! Begin as you may, it ends in this —skin game! Skin game!

"JILL. [Rushing to him] It's not you, Dodo; it's not you, beloved Dodo.

"HILLCRIST. It is me. For I am, or should be, master in this house!

"MRS. H. I don't understand.

"HILLCRIST. When we began this fight, we had clean hands—are they clean' now? What's gentility worth if it can't stand fire?"

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June 10, 2021 - June 13, 2021.

Purchased June 14, 2013.

Kindle Edition, 116 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published 1920)

Original Title

The Skin Game

ASIN:- B0084B3X4W

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June 09, 2021 - June 13, 2021.

Purchased June 08, 2021.

Kindle Edition, 258 pages

Published March 24, 2011

(first published July 20th 2006)

ASIN:- B004TOWDWG

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Six Short Plays:

The First and The Last

The Little Man

Hall-marked

Defeat

The Sun

Punch and Go

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Six Short Plays, by John Galsworthy.

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Six Short Plays:

The First and The Last

The Little Man

Hall-marked

Defeat

The Sun

Punch and Go

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4057729519

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The First and the Last, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4022553518

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Very reminiscent of Camille, but different on the whole. Honour vs name, honesty vs security, love vs caution, ... !

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May 26, 2021 - May 26, 2021.

Purchased June 08, 2021.

Kindle Edition, 55 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published 1919)

Original TitleThe First and the Last

ASIN:- B0084B2ZXM

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The Little Man, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4057302293

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To begin with, Goodreads information page for the book claims it was "(first published June 15th 1997) "; this seems nonsense.

Galsworthy was writing early twentieth century, and if he wrote at the end or if something were discovered as late as 1997, that would be news.

A very quick search for a first edition tells you of one published 1915, so this work was obviously first published then or earlier.

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Galsworthy attempts a delightful comedy in this spoof with typecast rather than caricatures of nationalities in a few characters brought together on a journey and dealing with circumstances.

The most delightful of the lot are the Dutch and English.

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June 13, 2021 - June 14, 2021.

Purchased June 08, 2021.

Kindle Edition, 32 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published

June 15th 1997) ???

(1915, or earlier)

ASIN:- B0084B2YCY

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Hall Marked, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4057615235

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She has saved their dogs from the fight they might have carried on to grievous end, is attractive and well situated and competent; but, uncertain if she's married, they leave her home with barely a thank you, without being civil to the new neighbour - all because she forgot her wedding ring in the bathroom when she cleaned herself after tending to their wounded dog!

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June 14, 2021 - June 14, 2021.

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Defeat, by John Galsworthy.

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Humanity, during wartime, back home and between strangers.

"GIRL. Defeat! Der Vaterland! Defeat!. . . . One shillin'!

"[Then suddenly, in the moonlight, she sits up, and begins to sing with all her might "Die Wacht am Rhein." And outside men pass, singing: "Rule, Britannia!"]"

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June 14, 2021 - June 14, 2021.

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The Sun, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4057639733

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When a soldier comes home to find he's too late, his girl has been with another who came home wounded and is willing to fight for her - only, the one who came late isn't only unwilling to fight, but is unwilling to let anything spoil his happiness about being back safe, which spoils it for the one itching to fight! And for her, too.

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June 14, 2021 - June 14, 2021.

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Punch and Go: A Little Comedy by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4057719694

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About travails of work required to make theatre performance work, before performers come on stage; about beauty and love passing, unseen, unnoticed, while an academic attempts writing about it; about a producer, financier or theatre owner insisting on a piece with lower taste, in name of giving public what they want.

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June 14, 2021 - June 14, 2021.

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May 26, 2021 - June 14, 2021.

Purchased June 08, 2021.

Kindle Edition, 79 pages

Published May 16th 2012

(first published 1921)

Original Title

SIX SHORT PLAYS

(MODERN PLAYS S)

ASIN:- B008473NT6

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Fifth Series:

A Family Man

Loyalties

Windows

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Plays : Fifth Series, by John Galsworthy.

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PLAYS - FIFTH SERIES:

Fifth Series:

A Family Man

Loyalties

Windows

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4061150629

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The title as such, claimed by by Goodreads to be published only in 2006, may have not existed in 1922, when all the plays included herein were published; but it's unlikely that it existed only after internet, and is likely an incorrect claim.

The plays herein are as serious a look at social faults as it can get, not necessarily set out in order of their degree of gravity. Antisemitic attitude and social misbehaviour thereby are s serious as racism, but commonly ignored ills are subjugation and victimisation of women, far more ubiquitous and far more serious.

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A Family Man : in three acts, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4059376669

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About institution of marriage and how it has dehumanised most people, especially women, subjugated socially to males.

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June 14, 2021 - June 15, 2021.

Purchased June 08, 2021.

Kindle Edition, 88 pages

Published May 12th 2012

(first published 1922)

Original Title

A Family Man: In Three Acts

ASIN:- B0082WRF1U

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Loyalties, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4059533791

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Galsworthy deals with the subtle and not so subtle ways of antisemitism in higher society in England, with theft of large sum by a member of the set perpetrated in a country house against another is seen as a nuisance created by the victim of the theft who happens to be Jewish.

This is very like a female being ostracised socially and even punished by Vatican if she complained or protested against a bishop for his raping a nun.

Needless to say victims of lesser status stand no chance for justice, with most societies and institutions functioning in effect as old boys network.

"ENOUGH", anyone?

Fortunately, the ethical code of professionals in law does not allow sticking to the guilty knowingly.

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"WINSOR. Colford! [A slight pause] The General felt his coat sleeve that night, and it was wet.

"COLFORD. Well! What proof's that? No, by George! An old school-fellow, a brother officer, and a pal.

"WINSOR. If he did do it—

"COLFORD. He didn't. But if he did, I'd stick to him, and see him through it, if I could."

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"LADY A. Oh! Why did I ever ask that wretch De Levis? I used to think him pathetic. Meg did you know——Ronald Dancy's coat was wet? The General happened to feel it.

"MARGARET. So that's why he was so silent.

"LADY A. Yes; and after the scene in the Club yesterday he went to see those bookmakers, and Goole—what a name!—is sure he told Dancy about the sale.

"MARGARET. [Suddenly] I don't care. He's my third cousin. Don't you feel you couldn't, Adela?

"LADY A. Couldn't—what? MARGARET. Stand for De Levis against one of ourselves?

"LADY A. That's very narrow, Meg.

"MARGARET. Oh! I know lots of splendid Jews, and I rather liked little Ferdy; but when it comes to the point—! They all stick together; why shouldn't we? It's in the blood. Open your jugular, and see if you haven't got it.

"LADY A. My dear, my great grandmother was a Jewess. I'm very proud of her.

"MARGARET. Inoculated. [Stretching herself] Prejudices, Adela—or are they loyalties—I don't know—cris-cross—we all cut each other's throats from the best of motives."

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"WINSOR. [Suddenly] It's becoming a sort of Dreyfus case—people taking sides quite outside the evidence.

"MARGARET. There are more of the chosen in Court every day. Mr Graviter, have you noticed the two on the jury?

"GRAVITER. [With a smile] No; I can't say—

"MARGARET. Oh! but quite distinctly. Don't you think they ought to have been challenged?

"GRAVITER. De Levis might have challenged the other ten, Miss Orme.

"MARGARET. Dear me, now! I never thought of that."

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"WINSOR. The General knows something which on the face of it looks rather queer. Now that he's going to be called, oughtn't Dancy to be told of it, so that he may be ready with his explanation, in case it comes out?

"TWISDEN. [Pouring some tea into the saucer] Without knowing, I can't tell you.

"WINSOR and MARGARET exchange looks, and TWISDEN drinks from the saucer.

"MARGARET. Tell him, Charles. WINSOR. Well! It rained that evening at Meldon. The General happened to put his hand on Dancy's shoulder, and it was damp.

TWISDEN puts the saucer down and replaces the cup in it. They both look intently at him.

"TWISDEN. I take it that General Canynge won't say anything he's not compelled to say.

"MARGARET. No, of course; but, Mr Jacob, they might ask; they know it rained. And he is such a George Washington.

"TWISDEN. [Toying with a pair of tortoise-shell glasses] They didn't ask either of you. Still-no harm in your telling Dancy."

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"TWISDEN. [Nodding] Mr Gilman, your conduct has been most prompt. You may safely leave the matter in our hands, now. Kindly let us retain this note; and ask for my cashier as you go out and give him [He writes] this. He will reimburse you. We will take any necessary steps ourselves."

"RICARDOS. [Desperately] The notes were a settlement to her from this gentleman, of whom she was a great friend.

"TWISDEN. [Suddenly] I am afraid we must press you for the name of the gentleman.

"RICARDOS. Sare, if I give it to you, and it does 'im 'arm, what will my daughter say? This is a bad matter for me. He behaved well to her; and she is attached to him still; sometimes she is crying yet because she lost him. And now we betray him, perhaps, who knows? This is very unpleasant for me. [Taking up the paper] Here it gives the number of another note—a 'undred-pound note. I 'ave that too. [He takes a note from his breast pocket].

"GRAVITER. How much did he give you in all?

"RICARDOS. For my daughter's settlement one thousand pounds. I understand he did not wish to give a cheque because of his marriage. So I did not think anything about it being in notes, you see.

"TWISDEN. When did he give you this money?

"RICARDOS. The middle of Octobare last.

"TWISDEN. [Suddenly looking up] Mr Ricardos, was it Captain Dancy?

"RICARDOS. [Again wiping his forehead] Gentlemen, I am so fond of my daughter. I have only the one, and no wife."

"RICARDOS. Sare, I trust you.—It was Captain Dancy."

"TWISDEN. I must keep this note. [He touches the hundred-pound note] You will not speak of this to anyone. I may recognise that you were a holder for value received—others might take a different view. Good-day, sir. Graviter, see Mr Ricardos out, and take his address."

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"COLFORD. Guilty or not, you ought to have stuck to him—it's not playing the game, Mr Twisden.

"TWISDEN. You must allow me to judge where my duty lay, in a very hard case.

"COLFORD. I thought a man was safe with his solicitor.

"CANYNGE. Colford, you don't understand professional etiquette.

"COLFORD. No, thank God!

"TWISDEN. When you have been as long in your profession as I have been in mine, Major Colford, you will know that duty to your calling outweighs duty to friend or client.

"COLFORD. But I serve the Country.

"TWISDEN. And I serve the Law, sir."

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May 28, 2021 -

June 15, 2021 - June 15, 2021.

Purchased June 14, 2013.

Kindle Edition, 114 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published 1922)

Original Title Loyalties

ASIN:- B00849YDOI

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Windows, by John Galsworthy.

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https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4061132335

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Human nature, ideals, chivalry, practicality of running a household, philosophy, need of love, wolves preying on innocent, ....

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June 15, 2021 - June 16, 2021.

Purchased June 14, 2013.

Kindle Edition, 72 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published 1922)

Original Title Windows

ASIN:- B00849YCGM

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June 14, 2021 - June 16, 2021.

Purchased June 08, 2021.

Kindle Edition, 296 pages

Published March 24th 2011

(first published July 20th 2006)

ASIN:- B004TP34EQ

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May 24, 2021 - June 16, 2021.

Purchased June 08, 2021.

Kindle Edition, 150 pages

Published May 17th 2012

(first published January 1st 1920)

ASIN:- B0084ADTG0

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................................................................................................

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4055842378

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Reviews - Books I Read - DRJG

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

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