Conscience by John Galsworthy (1925)

Name: Conscience
Author: John Galsworthy

The novel revolves around the lives of two brothers, Philip and Reginald Foxleigh, who are members of a wealthy family. The story explores their relationships with women, particularly their wives, and how these relationships affect their moral compasses. Philip's wife, Mary, is portrayed as a strong-willed and independent individual who struggles to cope with the societal expectations placed upon her. She becomes increasingly disillusioned with her marriage and the constraints of her social status. Reginald's wife, Sylvia, on the other hand, is depicted as a more submissive and obedient partner. However, she begins to question her own desires and values, leading to a crisis in their relationship. Throughout the novel, Galsworthy critiques the societal norms of his time, particularly the treatment of women and the class system. The story raises questions about morality, duty, and personal freedom, leaving the reader to ponder the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of one's actions.

By John Galsworthy · First published 1925 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Philosophical Fiction · 3,132 words

First lines

Taggart sat up. The scoop under the ranger's fence, cannily selected for his sleeping place, was overhung by branches, and the birds of Hyde Park were at matins already. His watch had gone the way of his other belongings during the last three months, and he could only assume from the meagre light that it was but little after dawn. He was not grateful to the birds; he would be hungry long before a breakfast coming from he hardly knew where. But he listened to them with interest. This was the first night he had passed in the open, and, like all amateurs, he felt a kind of triumph at having achieved vagrancy in spite of the law, the ranger, and the dew. He was a Northumbrian, too, and his ‘tail still up,' as he expressed it. Born in a town, Taggart had not much country lore -- at sparrows, blackbirds, thrushes, his knowledge stopped; but he enjoyed the bobbery the little beggars were kicking up, and, though a trifle stiff perhaps, he felt ‘fine.'

What this Textopian page supports

Conscience is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Galsworthy, dated 1925 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: 1925 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Philosophical Fiction, Drama, Satire
Length: 3,132 words
Structure: 1 section, 77 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Conscience?
How does this short story by John Galsworthy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of morality, identity, and the nature of truth, characteristic of literary fiction.
Social Commentary — It critiques societal norms and the ethics of journalism, reflecting on the relationship between the public and media.
Philosophical Fiction — The protagonist grapples with moral dilemmas and the concept of conscience, inviting philosophical reflection.
Drama — The narrative involves intense personal conflict and emotional struggles, typical of dramatic literature.