Evolution by John Galsworthy (1901)

Name: Evolution
Author: John Galsworthy

The novel explores the lives of two families, the Forsytes and the Soameses, over several generations. It examines their social status, relationships, and personal struggles in Victorian England. The story delves into themes of class, morality, and the changing values of society during this period. Through a complex web of characters and plotlines, the novel critiques the social conventions and hypocrisies of the time.

By John Galsworthy · First published 1901 · Genre: Social Realism, Literary Fiction, Drama · 1,786 words

First lines

Coming out of the theatre, we found it utterly impossible to get a taxicab; and, though it was raining slightly, walked through Leicester Square in the hope of picking one up as it returned down Piccadilly. Numbers of hansoms and four-wheelers passed, or stood by the curb, hailing us feebly, or not even attempting to attract our attention, but every taxi seemed to have its load. At Piccadilly Circus, losing patience, we beckoned to a four-wheeler and resigned ourselves to a long, slow journey. A sou'-westerly air blew through the open windows, and there was in it the scent of change, that wet scent which visits even the hearts of towns and inspires the watcher of their myriad activities with thought of the restless Force that forever cries: "On, on! " But gradually the steady patter of the horse's hoofs, the rattling of the windows, the slow thudding of the wheels, pressed on us so drowsily that when, at last, we reached home we were more than half asleep. The fare was two shillings, and, standing in the lamplight to make sure the coin was a half-crown before handing it to the driver, we happened to look up. This cabman appeared to be a man of about sixty, with a long, thin face, whose chin and drooping grey moustaches seemed in permanent repose on the up-turned collar of his old blue overcoat. But the remarkable features of his face were the two furrows down his cheeks, so deep and hollow that it seemed as though that face were a collection of bones without coherent flesh, among which the eyes were sunk back so far that they had lost their lustre. He sat quite motionless, gazing at the tail of his horse. And, almost unconsciously, one added the rest of one's silver to that half-crown. He took the coins without speaking; but, as we were turning into the garden gate, we heard him say:

What this Textopian page supports

Evolution is listed on Textopian as a novel by John Galsworthy, dated 1901 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: 1901 CE
Language: English
Genres: Social Realism, Literary Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
Length: 1,786 words
Structure: 1 section, 35 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Evolution by John Galsworthy
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Evolution?
How does this novel by John Galsworthy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Social Realism first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Social Realism — The narrative explores the harsh realities of life for the working class, focusing on economic struggles and societal changes.
Literary Fiction — The work emphasizes character development and thematic depth, showcasing the human condition through detailed prose.
Drama — The dialogue-driven format and emotional exchanges highlight personal and societal conflicts, typical of dramatic literature.
Historical Fiction — The setting reflects a specific historical context, addressing the transition from horse-drawn carriages to motor vehicles.