A Man of Devon by John Galsworthy

Name: A Man of Devon
Author: John Galsworthy

The novel revolves around the life of a young man from a rural area in Devon who struggles to find his place in society. He faces challenges related to class and social status, leading him to question his own identity and purpose. The story explores themes of identity, class, and social hierarchy through the protagonist's experiences as he navigates relationships with people from different backgrounds. His interactions with those around him reveal the complexities of rural life and the tensions between tradition and modernity. Throughout the novel, the author critiques societal norms and expectations, highlighting the difficulties faced by individuals who do not conform to traditional roles or values. The narrative ultimately presents a nuanced portrayal of the human experience, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and individuality in the face of societal pressures.

By John Galsworthy · First published 1905 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary · 8 chapters · 19,635 words

First lines

. It is quiet here, sleepy, rather-a farm is never quiet; the sea, too, is only a quarter of a mile away, and when it's windy, the sound of it travels up the combe; for distraction, you must go four miles to Brixham or five to Kingswear, and you won't find much then. The farm lies in a sheltered spot, scooped, so to speak, high up the combe side-behind is a rise of fields, and beyond, a sweep of down. You have the feeling of being able to see quite far, which is misleading, as you soon find out if you walk. It is true Devon country-hills, hollows, hedge-banks, lanes dipping down into the earth or going up like the sides of houses, coppices, cornfields, and little streams wherever there's a place for one; but the downs along the cliff, all gorse and ferns, are wild. The combe ends in a sandy cove with black rock on one side, pinkish cliffs away to the headland on the other, and a coastguard station. Just now, with the harvest coming on, everything looks its richest, the apples ripening, the trees almost too green. It's very hot, still weather; the country and the sea seem to sleep in the sun. In front of the farm are half-a-dozen pines that look as if they had stepped out of another land, but all round the back is orchard as lush, and gnarled, and orthodox as any one could wish. The house, a long, white building with three levels of roof, and splashes of brown all over it, looks as if it might be growing down into the earth. It was freshly thatched two years ago-and that's all the newness there is about it; they say the front door, oak, with iron knobs, is three hundred years old at least. You can touch the ceilings with your hand. The windows certainly might be larger-a heavenly old place, though, with a flavour of apples, smoke, sweetbriar, bacon, honeysuckle, and age, all over it.

What this Textopian page supports

A Man of Devon is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
Author: John Galsworthy
Date: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Social Commentary, Romance, Historical Fiction
Length: 19,635 words
Structure: 8 chapters, 399 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores complex characters and themes, focusing on human experiences and societal issues.
Drama — The narrative involves intense emotional conflicts and character development, typical of dramatic storytelling.
Social Commentary — The text critiques social norms and class structures, reflecting on societal values and behaviors.
Romance — Elements of romantic relationships and emotional connections are central to the plot.