Romance -- Three Gleams

The novel revolves around the lives of three women: a young woman who marries for security, another who seeks romance and passion, and a third who remains single due to her independence. The story explores their relationships with men and each other, highlighting the societal pressures and expectations placed on women during that time period.

By John Galsworthy · First published 1908 · Genre: Romance, Literary Fiction, Fantasy · 1,632 words

First lines

On that New Year's morning when I drew up the blind it was still nearly dark, but for the faintest pink flush glancing out there on the horizon of black water. The far shore of the river's mouth was just soft dusk; and the dim trees below me were in perfect stillness. There was no lap of water. And then -- I saw her, drifting in on the tide-the little ship, passaging below me, a happy ghost. Like no thing of this world she came, ending her flight, with sail-wings closing and her glowing lantern eyes. There was I know not what of stealthy joy about her thus creeping in to the unexpecting land. And I wished she would never pass, but go on gliding by down there for ever with her dark ropes, and her bright lanterns, and her mysterious felicity, so that I might have for ever in my heart the blessed feeling she brought me, coming like this out of that great mystery the sea. If only she need not change to solidity, but ever be this visitor from the unknown, this sacred bird, telling with her half-seen, trailing-down plume -- sails the story of uncharted wonder.

What this Textopian page supports

Romance -- Three Gleams is listed on Textopian as an essay by John Galsworthy, dated 1908 CE.

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

• Work type: Essay
• Author: John Galsworthy
• Date: 1908 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Romance, Literary Fiction, Fantasy, Symbolism, Nature Writing
• Length: 1,632 words
• Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for Romance -- Three Gleams 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 Romance -- Three Gleams?
• How does this essay by John Galsworthy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Romance first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• Wind In The Rocks by John Galsworthy
• The Windlestraw by John Galsworthy
• The Apple Tree by John Galsworthy
• The Passionate Friends by H. G. Wells
• Timber by John Galsworthy
• Anne Severn And The Fieldings by May Sinclair

Genres

• Romance — The central theme revolves around love and longing, capturing the essence of romantic emotions and experiences.
• Literary Fiction — The writing style is introspective and poetic, focusing on character development and emotional depth.
• Fantasy — Elements of the supernatural and ethereal are present, creating a dreamlike quality to the narrative.
• Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the ship and the moon, conveys deeper meanings and themes throughout the text.

Tags

Social Commentary · Realism · Marriage · Class Conflict · Love Triangle · Family Dynamics · English Literature · Early 20th Century · Novel · Literary Fiction · Psychological Insight · Character Study

More by John Galsworthy

• The Forsyte Saga, Part 2: Indian Summer Of A Forsyte (1921)
• The Forsyte Saga, Part 4: Awakening (1921)
• The Forsyte Saga, Part 5: To Let (1921)
• The Forsyte Saga, Part 3: In Chancery (1921)
• The Forsyte Saga, Part 1: The Man of Property (1921)
• Buttercup-Night (1903)
• The Dark Flower (1899)
• The Freelands (1924)
• All works by John Galsworthy