The Man Of Property, by John Galsworthy

Feb 22, 2008 09:36

First book of the Forsyte Saga.  You know...  One of those British novels involving family, money and class differences...

Characters:
Old Jolyon Forsyte:  (b. 1806) Head of the Forsyte family.  Brother to Ann, Swithen, James, Roger, Juley, Hester, Nicholas, Timothy and Susan.  Stanhope Gate.
June Forsyte:  (b. 1869)  Heiress and granddaughter to Old Jolyon.  Daughter of Young Jolyon.  Engaged to Bosinney.  Best friend Irene.
Philip Bosinney:  "The buccaneer."  Engaged to June.  Architect, has no fortune.
Aunt Ann Forsyte:  (b. 1799)  Positive member of the family.  Sister to Old Jolyon, Swithen, James, Roger, Juley, Hester, Nicholas, Timothy and Susan.  Bayswater Road.
Timothy Forsyte:  (b. 1819)  Youngest brother of Ann, Old Jolyon, Swithen, James, Roger, Juley, Hester, Nicholas, Timothy and Susan.  Rarely seen.  Invested 3% instead of 4%.  Publisher.  Bayswater Road.
Soames Forsyte:  (b. 1855)  Son of James.  Habitual "sniff" upon his face.  Married to Irene.  Brother to Winifred.  Knightsbridge.
Swithen Forsyte:  (b. 1811)  Fat.  Twin brother of James.  Brother of Ann, Old Jolyon, Swithen, Roger, Juley, Hester, Nicholas, Timothy and Susan.  Hyde Park Mansions.
James Forsyte:  (b. 1811)  Twin brother of Swithen.  Father of Soames and Winifred.  Married to "Mrs. James"  Park Lane.
George Forsyte:  (b. 1856)  Son of Roger.
Roger Forsyte:  (b. 1813)  Brother of Ann, Old Jolyon, Swithen, James, Juley, Hester, Nicholas, Timothy and Susan.  Prince's Garden.
Aunt Hester Forsyte:  (b. 1815)  Sister of Ann, Old Jolyon, Swithen, James, Roger, Juley, Nicholas, Timothy and Susan.  Bayswater Road.
Aunt Juley Small:  (b. 1814)  Sister of Ann, Old Jolyon, Swithen, James, Roger, Hester, Nicholas, Timothy and Susan.  Married to Septimus Small.  Bayswater Road.
Septimus Small:  Married to Juley.  Deceased.
Archibald Forsyte:  (b. 1857)  Son of Nicholas.
Nicholas Forsyte:  (b. 1817)  Farther of Archibald.  Ladbroke Grove.
Eustace Forsyte:  (b. 1859)  Son of Roger.
Irene Forsyte:  Wife to Soames.  Always elegantly dressed.  Best friend of June.
Winifred Dartie:  (b. 1858)  Daughter of James.  Sister to Soames.  Married to Monty Dartie.
Montague Dartie:  Married to Winifred.
Young Jolyon Forsyte:  (b. 1847)  son of Old Jolyon.  Father of June.  Left wife and child (June) for the governess.
Superior Dosset Jolyon Forsyte:  (b. 1770 d. 1850)  Father of Ann, Old Jolyon, Swithen, James, Roger, Juley, Hester, Nicholas, Timothy and Susan.
Jolyon Forsyte:  (b. 1741 d. 1812)  Father of Superior Dosset.  Farmer.
Susan Hayman:  (b. 1821)  Sister of Ann, Old Jolyon, Swithen, James, Roger, Juley, Hester, Nicholas, and Timothy.  Campden Hill.
Emily Forsyte:  Mrs. James.  Married to James Forsyte, mother of Soames, Winifred.
Heron:  Irene's father.  Professor.
Baynes:  Architect, partner of Bildeboy.  Uncle to Bosinney.
Bildeboy:  Architect, partner of Baynes.
Nicholas Treffry:  Old smoking buddy of Old Jolyon.  Deceased.
Traquair:  Old smoking buddy of Old Jolyon.  Wife dead.
Jack Herring:  Old smoking buddy of Old Jolyon.  Deceased.
Anthony Thornworthy:  Old smoking buddy of Old Jolyon.
Danae Pellew:  Daughter of Thornworthy.  Once dated Young Jolyon.
Jolly Forsyte:  (b. 1879)  Cynical son of Young Jolyon and the governess.
Holly Forsyte:  (b.  1881)  Daughter of Young Jolyon and the governess.
Parfitt:  Butler at Stanhope Gate, Old Jolyon's home.
Pippin:  Superintendent of New Colliery Company where Old Jolyon is a chairman.
Fanny Forsyte:  Nicholas' wife.
Hatty Chessman:  Friend of Swithen.  Drink 1/2 bottle wine.
Adolf:  Servant of Swithen.
Blight:  Swithen's doctor.
Reverend Thomas Scoles:  Preacher.  Influence to Mrs. Smalls (Aunt Juley).
Bustard:  Solicitor.  Partner of James / Soames in Forsyte, Bustard and Forsyte.
Parks:  Architect (?), formerly working for Soames.
Oliver:  Agent at Robin Hill.
Smither:  Maid at Timothy's.
Young Roger Forsyte:  (b. 1853)  Son of Roger.
Rachel Forsyte:  (b. 1861)  Daughter of James.  Sister of Soames, Cicely and Winifred.
Cicely Forsyte:  (b. 1865)  Daughter of James.  Sister of Soames, Rachel and Winifred.
John Street:  Friend of James.
Balthasar:  Young Jolyon's dog.


Part I:
Summary:
Chapter I:
  • The Forsytes, an upper middle class family.  As a whole it was a reproduction of society.  No branch liked the other.  Each having a rise / fall of a nation.
  • June 15th, 1886.  At Old Jolyon's, Stanhope Gate, they are celebrating the engagement of June and Philip Bosinney.
  • Engagements, weddings, births, they were all there, even Aunt Ann who barely left her home.  Three generations.
  • No Forsyte had died.  It was against their principle.
  • They were greater than ordinarily dressed, groomed, as if defiant.  They were resentful, sensing danger.
  • Introduction of family members.
  • Soames - pale, well shaven, dark haired,[1] rather bald.
  • The three ladies, Aunt Ann, Aunt Hester (both who never married), Aunt Juley (widowed) all lived with their younger brother Timothy.
  • The brothers, Old Jolyon, Swithen, James, Roger, Nicholas, and Timothy all varied, yet were alike.  They all had a look to guarantee family fortune.
  • Younger generation introduced.  They too had the same qualities, but less meaningful.
  • Their collective look / resentment was toward Philip Bosinney.  Young without fortune.
  • Many a Forsyte girl married such, so money wasn't their reason.
  • He wore an old grey hat, which when meeting the Aunts for the first time, Aunt Ann being short sighted tried to shoo it off a chair like a cat.
  • Philip was an architect, all architects known to the Forsytes would never wear such a thing.
  • Their dislike for Philip did not stop the "at home."  It had been 12 years from the last, due to Mrs. Jolyon's death.
  • They gathered to trample the invader, ask what everyone was giving as gifts.
  • June introduces Philip to her best friend Irene.  Soames, her husband asked to be intro'd as well.[2]
  • Soames never separated from Irene.  If not at her side, he followed her with his eyes.
  • James wonders why June and Philip's engagement is allowed.  They cannot marry for a long time because of money.
  • James comments on Soames and Irene.  Soames wanted to be married to her immediately.  So James consented.
  • Irene, without money could not be foolish.  Rumor is she asked Soames for separate rooms.
  • James asks why Timothy did not come.  He's afraid of diphtheria.  Seldom seen.  Was kinda ostracized for investing 3% instead of 4%.
  • James discusses Old Jolyon, saying he has no son, forgetting Young Jolyon, June's father who ran away with the governess.
  • The older generation began talking of ailments, their ages ranging from 86 to about 70.
  • Ann looks proudly on the family, which she will retain till her death.
  • She remembers Young Jolyon.  How his wife and he did not divorce, so there was no public scandal.  On his wife's death, he married the governess and had 2 children with her.
  • This cheated Ann of her complete fulfillment of family pride.  She was proud of Young Jolyon, so much promise.  Soames was now her favorite.
  • Soames and Aunt Ann talk of June / Bosinney.  He is ok, but he doesn't seem to fit June.
  • Aunt Ann asks about Irene.  His smile dies.  She can't sleep.
  • Soames sees Irene walking toward Bosinney.
  • Their father, "Superior Dosset," Jolyon Forsyte is discussed.  Farming stock, became a stone mason, then master builder.  Began building all over London.  Divided 30K between his 10 children.
  • His children don't remember him being refined.  He drank Madeira.
  • Superior Dosset's father, Jolyon, had some land in Dorsetshire, by the sea.  James visited and saw nothing but an old farm, a little grey church, mud.  He was hoping for an estate.
  • The older generation had done well.  Investing, collecting art, gave to charity.  Church goers, some of which paid for their pews, visually showing their support for Christ's teachings.
  • They all had houses stationed around a park.  Location was very important.
  • James and his wife, Soames and Irene leave together commenting, like the other Forsytes that left Old Jolyon's about the "rumpty too" people.
  • Nicholas and Roger leave talking of Soames and Irene not getting along.  They talk of Irene's background, her father.
  • Mr. Heron was a professor.  Irene's maternal grandfather was in cement, but went bankrupt.
  • They wonder how Soames and Irene got together.  She had refused him 5 times.
  • They feel Bosinney will never do good for himself.  No money in improving English architecture.
  • As they depart they think rude comments about the other.

    Chapter II:
  • Old Jolyon falls asleep in his study.
  • He wake up thinking of June's engagement.  He shouldn't have allowed it.
  • June had met Philip at Baynes and Bildeboy (architects).
  • June's hand on Old Jolyon's knee, rubbing her chin against him, he couldn't refuse her.
  • June and Bosinney could not marry till he made at least 400/year.  And Old Jolyon has nothing to give her, which she was not used to.  He wasn't gonna give Bosinney money to live on idleness.
  • Maybe Soames could help Old Jolyon get a place in the country, become a man of property.
  • Old Jolyon arranges his cigars thinking of old friends who have died.  He still feels young otherwise.
  • He remember Young Jolyon.  Afternoons on Hempstead Heath.  Cigars were best then.
  • Taking June to the zoo when she was 5.
  • When June marries he will let the house.
  • Old Jolyon goes to his club which has seen better days.  He hates his club, the Disunion.  It's too liberal, members of it "common."  But he followed the customs faithfully.
  • Old Jolyon was denied by Hotch Potch for being "in trade."  Young Jolyon was a member.
  • Old Jolyon sat down to dinner at the same table he and Young Jolyon sat at 25 years ago, talking of Drury Lane.
  • They have been estranged for 14 years, wonders if he had a hand in the affair.
  • Young Jolyon has been dating the daughter of a friend.  She dumped him and jumped into a relationship with June's mother.
  • Old Jolyon being anxious he marry and the crash...
  • When Young Jolyon left he had to choose between June and Young Jolyon and he couldn’t resist her climbing all over him.
  • Old Jolyon offered to give him a minimal allowance.  He refused it, putting a nail in the coffin of their relationship.
  • After dinner Old Jolyon decides to go to the opera.
  • The guy in the box office recognizes him, not having been there awhile, with Nick Treffry and Traquair.
  • The opera itself changed.  No great singers, no pretty women.  It was all ruined by Wagner.
  • Lonely, if only Jo were with him.
  • He had sent a check for ₤500, but it was returned with a note saying he must think they are worse off then they are.  You can invest it in Jolly who shares our Christian and surname.
  • Old Jolyon sends a letter in reply, 5% interest will be added.  And since, has added 100/yr, which is now over 15K.
  • Old Jolyon had wondered how Young Jolyon had survived on his own, so sought him out.  Found out where he lived, etc.
  • Young Jolyon was an underwriter, a painter.  Paintings which Old Jolyon occasionally bought.
  • After the opera, by chance, he passed Hotch Potch and asked if Young Jolyon was still a member.  He was there now.
  • They met, he's old, greying.  Had the look of student / philosopher.
  • Convo is polite.  Then Old Jolyon says you are in debt, right?
  • They drive to Stanhope Gate.  Invites him in.  June not being there.  Tells of the engagement.
  • Old Jolyon talks of being lonely when June leaves.
  • Old Jolyon wanted to talk of things he could never do with June, business, property, etc.
  • It's late and Old Jolyon must get to bed.  Young Jolyon leaves.

    Chapter III:
  • Preparing for dinner at Swithen's.
  • Decorations showing his wealth.  Chandelier, gold chairs, marble side tables.
  • Swithen is retired from a land agency.
  • Thinking on who will be drinking.  Soames is 31 and can't drink.  Mrs. Soames doesn't drink much, but appreciated a good wine, plus she is sympathetic toward Swithen.
  • Another dinner party in honor of June's engagement.
  • Mrs. Chessman arrives, calling Swithen stout.  He is offended.
  • His sister Juley, Mrs. Septimus Small has a pout about her since the death of her husband.  She had the habit of saying wrong things.
  • Juley was a great talker after spending hours at her husband's beside.  Talking for hours, monotonous, how Fortune misused her.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Forsyte arrive.  Nicholas just completed a pet project of employing Indians in a Ceylon goldmine.  Giving him 2x the output.
  • To Nicholas, it didn't matter if a man died of old age in his own country or prematurely in a foreign mine, as long as it benefited the British Empire.
  • The Jameses and the Soameses arrive.  Upon greeting Irene, Swithen thinks she is too pretty for Soames.
  • Soames on seeing the time, becomes uncontrollably vexed, inarticulately violent.  Having not eaten lunch and being 30 mins past him regular dinner, he suspects June will keep Old Jolyon from arriving on time.
  • June, Jolyon and "Boswainey" arrive.  Dinner begins.
  • Forsyte dinners had a certain tradition.  No hor d'oeurves.  Due to price of oysters?  Getting to the point?
  • Dinner conversation was mostly non existent, till 2 glasses of champagne.
  • Mutton was a must.  Each having a different favorite type. =>  Showed the tenacity of the family / individuals.  A class that believed in nourishment, flavor over beauty.
  • Soames thinks of hiring Bosinney for a pet building project.
  • Soames looks to Irene, who is talking to Bosinney.  A smile Soames has never received.
  • Irene looks about the table.  Eyes meet Soames and her smile dies.
  • Soames sees Bosinney look to June.  Soames has a sardonic smile...  June doesn't look pleased either.
  • The conversation June was having, leading to her look...  She has asked Uncle James about some land by the river.
  • June's plan is to get her uncles to build houses in the country, employing Bosinney.
  • James turning the offer down...  The family got excited by things in danger of passing into other hands.
  • June's look was caused by thinking of her rich family and they not doing anything to help poor Phil.
  • June's look turned to anger.  She tells James she wishes she will never know the value of money.
  • This horrified James.  Old Jolyon had spoiled her.  None of his woman would have said that.  Money was everything to him.  Adding what can you expect from a daughter of Young Jolyon?
  • James then thought on Soames / Irene.  Everyone in the family knew Irene regretted her marriage.
  • Soames was reserved about his affairs.  No children.  No money problems.  He was a solicitor at Forsyte, Bustard and Forsyte.  Why should Irene be unhappy?  Soames didn't drink.
  • James looks at Soames.  He must be happy with Irene, always giving her things.
  • Irene being with June was giving her ideas.  June was in the habit of helping the unfortunate and suggested separation.  Irene knew Soames would never allow it.
  • James hearing this horrified him.  Thank God Irene only had ₤50/yr.  He warns Soames of it.  It is June's doing.[3]
  • Collectively they talk of a marble, Italian statue Swithen bought for ₤400.  Nicholas saying it is a lot.  Aunt Juley not wanting to look at their nakedness.  Swithen defends it.
  • Old Jolyon goes up to it.  He wouldn't have paid more than ₤200!  Stucco.
  • Soames wonders what Bosinney thinks.  The Q is posed by James, then reinforced by Soames.
  • Bosinney speaking to Swithen, but looking slyly at Old Jolyon.  It is remarkable.  => Silence.

    Chapter IV:
  • Soames leaves his home with Irene sitting on the couch...  Waiting for him to leave, like she did everyday.
  • Soames did not understand what was so wrong with him.  He did not drink, was not in debt, did not gamble, swear, was not violent, stayed in at night.
  • Irene's aversion to him irritated him.  It was she that made the mistake.  Not loving him was not a valid reason.
  • Many men were attracted to Irene.  That added to her value as Soames's property.
  • Soames had courted Irene for a year and a half, finding things to entertain her, proposing periodically.  Scaring other potential suitors away.  Eventually she yielded.
  • Soames thought of renovating the house or building one in the country.
  • Soames collected paintings, landscapes with figures in the foreground.  He didn't hang any.  They were kept in a room where he would look at them weekly and take notes on them.
  • Soames never showed them to anyone.  Irene never asked to see them.  He wondered / respected her opinion.
  • Irene had a pride Soames disliked.
  • Walking past a picture shop Soames would take note of the artist, their value.
  • Soames thinks of acquiring land at Robin Hill, the value of the land would go up.
  • His reason for wanting a house in the country was to get Irene out of the city, away from opportunity, seeing her friend who put ideas into her head.
  • Soames thinks she would enjoy decorating the place.
  • Soames's pervious experience with an architect with a name was expensive.  So he looked to Bosinney.
  • He wanted a unique house.
  • Hiring Bosinney would lessen the blow of moving to the country.  Plus June's marriage would depend on it.
  • Soames is drawn to the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral and goes in to read the names and epitaphs.
  • In the church, instead of looking at the monuments this time.  Soames looks up and decided he must have a room for his pictures.
  • Soames stops by Bosinney's office, trying to assess him, how much he paid for his office, etc.
  • Soames wants Bosinney's opinion of Robin Hill.  They visit the site.
  • Soames notes Bosinney has bindles of paper crammed into his pockets, a queer looking walking stick under his arm.  Eccentric.  Revolting to Soames.
  • Soames tells Bosinney not to tell anyone of his plans.  He want it to be a surprise.
  • The agent lives near by, they stop for lunch.
  • Bosinney excuses himself while they talk of business.
  • The plot Soames wanted was covered in gravel, a chimney sticking up out of nowhere.  It was the cheapest, but he wanted it.
  • Larks, butterflies, sappy smells.  The first Forsyte to go into the wilderness.  Soames felt the loneliness.  Bosinney was no where in sight.
  • Soames finds Bosinney sitting under a tree.  Bosinney finds the view here better, fields, hedges, blue sky.  Soames says it's half as much more.
  • The idea of showing it to his friends, possessing it.  Soames suddenly thinks of Irene, wanting her.
  • He looks at Bosinney and has an unpleasant feeling.
  • Bosinney says he can build a palace for 8k.  Too expensive.
  • Soames goes back to the agent.  He has bought up the plot Bosinney suggested.
  • Soames is confused how a man he despised could influence his decision.

    Chapter V:
  • The Soames' house is described.[4]  More modern?  No red velvet chairs.
  • Irene would be content on a desert island.
  • Soames never had a hair out of place, tie straight.  Never without a bath.
  • Irene was more like a nymph, bathing in a stream.
  • The servants were devoted to Irene.
  • Sitting at dinner, not across, but perpendicular.  Soames would talk of business, what he bought.  As long as he talked, Irene's silence was nothing.
  • This time Soames's idea of Robin Hill weighted heavily on him.  He decided to tell Irene.  He was nervous about it, which irritated him.  Husband and wife were one.
  • In Irene's silence he wondered of her thoughts.  Soames worked hard, for her.  It felt as if the walls were closing in.[5]
  • As they dined, Soames wanted Irene to wear lower dress, giving him a sense of superiority amongst his friends, whose wives dressed in high frocks.
  • Soames felt exasperated at the knowledge of not truly owning Irene as he ought to as a husband.
  • Out of all of his possessions, the things he collected, etc, all gave Soames satisfaction, but Irene.
  • Irene feared any word, motion would be a sign of affection toward Soames.
  • Soames wondered if it was to go on like this forever.  But as every novel...  Which Soames was an avid reader of, the women would always learn to love the man, even in the tragedies.
  • They'd go to the theatre.  See a play on modern society's conjugal problems.  They too ended the same, even if the plot involved a lover.  Soames would sympathize with the lover.
  • There was a type of husband, strong, rough, but sound.  Who'd come out successful.  Soames did not find sympathy there.
  • The expression on Irene after the play was so alarming to Soames.
  • After dinner, Soames asks if Irene had seen anyone today.  June.  Suspects they talked of Bosinney.
  • Soames mentions his belief June loves Bosinney more than he, her.
  • Irene speaks up and defends the couple which surprises Soames.
  • Soames say with the engagement, June will forget about her.  Either way, they are moving to the country.
  • Soames expected a cry of dismay.  All he got was silence which disturbed him.
  • Irene had heard it from June.
  • Soames said Irene has never been happy in their present home.
  • Irene comments, when have her wishes ever had anything to do with anything?  She leaves the room.
  • June had told her of it happily, being what Phil needed to prove himself.
  • Since June's engagement conversation has been about herself.  Irene is uninterested.
  • Soames goes to the drawing room and sees Irene on the porch though the window.
  • Within Irene something was changing.  Warmth, a fervor of feeling.

    Chapter VI:
  • The word of Soames's house in the country spreads throughout the family.
  • Aunt Ann was told in the hopes of cheering her up.  She's been confined to bed.
  • Every AM, Aunt Juley / Hester would report to Ann the goings on in the family.  A possible shortened engagement for June, Young Roger's wife expecting.  If Irene still wanted separate rooms.
  • Everyone thought the building of the house was kind, in terms of employing Bosinney, but risky.
  • James was upset with the news.  He goes to Soames's for dinner.  He suspects it is Irene's doing.
  • On his way, just near the home, James bumps into Soames.
  • James's and Soames's relationship outwardly is very Forsytean.  Lack of sentiment.  But they were attached.  Never talking about the intimate problems of life.  Glad to be in each other's company.
  • James's life now was for his children, saving for them.
  • For James, family was everything.  A visit to Timothy's was like an hour at his mother's bosom.
  • The protection of his children was of great concern.  James worried over Dartie's financial problems.  If it weren't for James, Dartie would be on the Bankrupt list.
  • James entered the home, suspecting to be miserable.  During dinner that changed, the feeling of being caressed, praised.  A good meal which he didn't get at home.
  • They had yet to talk about the home.  Soames excuses himself for his paintings.
  • Sitting alone with Irene, which James had never done before was a strange feeling.  There was a danger in her charm.
  • James snaps out of it.  Asks why Irene never comes to visit.  Always with June he supposes.  Comments at June always being out, Uncle Jolyon is on his own.  What does she think of Bosinney?
  • Irene mentions the house and defends Bosinney being first rate.  James says he cannot be trusted.
  • Irene becomes brooding, rigid after the mention of children.  James tried to redeem himself saying she should go out, to the theater, she's young.  The brooding darkens.
  • James leaves with a cold dark stare from Irene.  Offers to drive her to Richmond any day.
  • James arrives home telling Emily things are bad at Soames's.
  • Soames stands at the top of the stairs.  He sees Irene sorting through the mail.  She sees him looking and goes into the drawing room, and soon exits it with a cat at her breast and goes up.  Soames thinks, why can't Irene look at him like that?[6]

    Chapter VII:
  • Old Jolyon leaves the Lord's Cricket Ground.  Before heading home he decides to go to Wisteria Ave.
  • June has not been home all week.  His club is closed.  He could not travel abroad.
  • Old Jolyon goes to St. John's Wood, a place where no Forsyte went to, without disappointment.  It's is Young Jolyon's.
  • Old Jolyon waits in the drawing room, they are in the garden.  He looks around.  Shabby, making ends meet.  Crack in the ceiling.
  • It hurt Old Jolyon to think of any Forsyte, his son, could live in such a place.
  • Old Jolyon is told to go outside.  Greetings.
  • Jolly / Holly are so unsimilar.  Jolly, the bastard, blond, stubborn, amiable, a Forsyte in looks.  Holly, born in wedlock, dark skinned, solemn, more like her mother in looks.
  • Young Jolyon looks at his wife.  A look he has never seen, resentment, longing, fear.
  • Jolly makes conversation, about his possessions.  Sees Old Jolyon sitting like his father, how he would like to sit as well.
  • Soon the grandchildren warm to him.  Mrs. Young Jolyon storms off.  Young Jolyon excuses himself.
  • Like forsaking his son for June, Old Jolyon was forgetting June for the tenderness of these children.
  • Young Jolyon finds his wife sobbing.
  • He takes his razor case and says he must go down.
  • Young Jolyon wanted to cut the visit short for what Old Jolyon did to his wife.  He had no right after all these years.
  • Young Jolyon wanted warning at least.  But no Forsyte ever thought of themselves doing wrong.
  • Young Jolyon tells Holly / Jolly to go to tea.  Shocked by a tone they had never heard.
  • Old Jolyon mentions not liking the neighborhood.  "Ramshackled lot."  Replied with , "we're a ramshackled lot."
  • Old Jolyon says he shouldn't have come but he was lonely.  Young Jolyon puts his hand on his shoulder.  Soon the children are playing with him again.
  • They sat there talking very little.  Old Jolyon leaves without a word of returning.
  • Old Jolyon walks away sad.  Poor house, Young Jolyon's wife probably give him trouble.  The children awful folly.
  • Society has passed judgment on his flesh and blood.  Which, Old Jolyon had done for 15 years.  For one day he was false to it.
  • Old Jolyon returns to Stanhope Gate lonely.  Even a dog would suffice as company.  His favorite painting no longer gives him pleasure.
  • Old Jolyon falls asleep in his chair.
  • The butler seeing this tired to be quiet preparing dinner.
  • Old Jolyon awakes observing him, sneaking around.  Why should he care about his master?  The only way for affection in this society was to pay for it.
  • With dinner prepared, not acing about waking the master, dinner is called.  Jolyon sits for dinner.

    Chapter VIII:
  • The Forsytes live with shells, which are never seen.  Habitats that are made of circumstance, property acquaintances, wives.
  • Bosinney appeared to have no habitat.  He'd go through life with circumstances, property, acquaintances that were not his own.
  • Bosinney's offices were not of a Forsyte, his personal / office space separated by a screen.
  • They discovered Bosinney's income to be ₤20/year for consultations, ₤150/year from a personal annuity, occasional odd fees.
  • His father was a Cornish Doctor, Byronic tendencies.
  • Bosinney's uncle, was a Forsyte in instinct and knew nothing of Bosinney's father.
  • Bosinney's father was eccentric as well.
  • Baynes describes Bosinney warmly, but has a bit of Byronism.
  • Bosinney had spend 6 months, with only a knapsack studying foreign architecture.  June is good for him.
  • Baynes is friendly toward June.  He's happy about Soames's home as well.
  • June shouldn't expect to see Bosinney much now.
  • June complains Bosinney never visits Stanhope Gate.
  • One time Bosinney visited he and June were interrupted by Aunt Juley and he had to hide till she had left.
  • Aunt Juley comments Bosinney is thin, they should stop calling him the Buccaneer because he's building Soames's home.  Soames has good taste.
  • June and Aunt Juley talk of Irene, whether she would like the country, about her not going out.
  • Aunt Juley leaves.  June returns to Bosinney crying.
  • Bosinney visits Soames.  He is still shaving and sends Irene down to entertain him.
  • Separate rooms?
  • Bosinney has come by to pick up Soames and show him his plans.
  • Soames finds them odd.  Rectangular, quadrangle around a covered court, glass roof.  A gallery for his paintings.
  • "Won't it look like a barrack?"
  • Soames was actually impressed, but concealed it.  He found himself having to complement Bosinney, which was difficult for him...  Bosinney was the type to tear up plans, like an adult child.
  • The price is now ₤8500, when Soames was promised no more than 8.
  • They return to find Irene at her flowers.  Mentions fetching June.  No.  They have business to talk about.
  • They eat lunch.  Soames attends to his paintings.  Leaves Irene with Bosinney.
  • At tea, Soames sees them getting along and is pleased with himself.  Irene is warming to a house in the country.
  • The pictures / the idea of a gallery made spending ₤500 extra not so bad, yet hopes time had softened Bosinney as well.  Nope.
  • Bosinney leaves.  Happy.  Soames asks Irene what she thinks of Bosinney.  Handsome?  Yes.  Very...

    Random Notes:
    Chapter I:
    1.  What!?!  He's a ginger ninja!
    2.  They're already married?  Do they flashback or something?
    Chapter III:
    3.  I dunno...  For some reason even when June / Irene were friends I kinda liked June / Soames relationship, like it was a love hate thing.  Seems like it's just all hate.
    Chapter V:
    4.  And goes way over my head...
    5.  Aw!  Poor Soamesy!  Seriously, I get that he's possessive...  Maybe cause it's been one sided so far.  But why the hell did she marry him then?  Via the miniseries, I still don't see no money as an excuse, considering in the book it says men were after her.
    Chapter VI:
    6.  Aw!!!

    Part II, Part III, mostly, The end.

    Will update as I continue to read.
    Last Updated:  Friday, February 29, 2008, 9:54 P.M.
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