A Long-Ago Affair by John Galsworthy

Name: A Long-Ago Affair
Author: John Galsworthy

The novel revolves around the complex relationships between two families, the Forsytes and the Soameses. It explores themes of love, family dynamics, social class, and morality through the lens of a long-standing feud between the two families. The story centers on the marriage of Irene Heron to John Soames, a member of the wealthy and influential Soames family. However, Irene's past relationship with her former lover, Michael Fane, creates tension in her new marriage and sets off a chain reaction of events that exposes the dark secrets and hypocrisy within both families. Throughout the novel, Galsworthy critiques the social conventions and class divisions of his time, highlighting the suffocating nature of societal expectations and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition. The narrative is characterized by its nuanced characterization, philosophical introspection, and a deep understanding of human psychology. Ultimately, the novel presents a scathing portrayal of the English upper class, revealing the emptiness and superficiality that lies beneath their polished facades.

By John Galsworthy · First published 1905 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction · 1,785 words

First lines

Hubert Marsland, the landscape painter, returning from a day's sketching on the river in the summer of 1921, had occasion to stay the progress of his two-seater about ten miles from London for a minor repair, and while his car was being seen to, strolled away from the garage to have a look at a house where he had often spent his holidays as a boy. Walking through a gateway and passing a large gravel-pit on his left, he was soon opposite the house, which stood back a little in its grounds. Very much changed! More pretentious, not so homely as when his uncle and aunt lived there, and he used to play cricket on this warren opposite, where the cricket ground, it seemed, had been turned into a golf course. It was late -- the dinner hour, nobody playing, and passing on to the links he stood digesting the geography. Here must have been where the old pavilion was. And there -- still turfed -- where he had made that particularly nice stroke to leg, when he went in last and carried his bat for thirteen. Thirty-nine years ago -- his sixteenth birthday. How vividly he remembered his new pads! A. P. Lucas had played against them and only made thirty-two. One founded one's style on A. P. Lucas in those days -- feet in front of the bat, and pointed a little forward, elegant; you never saw it now, and a good thing too -- one could sacrifice too much to style! Still, the tendency was all the other way; style was too much ‘off,' perhaps!

What this Textopian page supports

A Long-Ago Affair is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Galsworthy, dated 1905 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: John Galsworthy
Date: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama
Length: 1,785 words
Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time, focusing on character development and introspection.
Coming-of-Age — The protagonist reflects on his youthful experiences and first romantic encounters, highlighting the transition from innocence to awareness.
Historical Fiction — Set in the early 20th century, the narrative captures the social norms and cultural context of the Victorian Age.
Romance — The story involves romantic feelings and relationships, particularly the protagonist's infatuation with an older woman.