Saints Progress by John Galsworthy

Name: Saints Progress
Author: John Galsworthy

The novel explores the lives of a group of aristocrats and their relationships with each other and the working class. It focuses on the decline of the aristocracy and the rise of the middle class. The story revolves around the character of Soames, who struggles to maintain his family's social status and wealth.

By John Galsworthy · First published 1920 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama · 40 chapters · 116,646 words

First lines

Such a day made glad the heart. All the flags of July were waving; the sun and the poppies flaming; white butterflies spiring up and twining, and the bees busy on the snapdragons. The lime-trees were coming into flower. Tall white lilies in the garden beds already rivaled the delphiniums; the York and Lancaster roses were full-blown round their golden hearts. There was a gentle breeze, and a swish and stir and hum rose and fell above the head of Edward Pierson, coming back from his lonely ramble over Tintern Abbey. He had arrived at Kestrel, his brother Robert's home on the bank of the Wye only that morning, having stayed at Bath on the way down; and now he had got his face burnt in that parti-coloured way peculiar to the faces of those who have been too long in London. As he came along the narrow, rather overgrown avenue, the sound of a waltz thrummed out on a piano fell on his ears, and he smiled, for music was the greatest passion he had. His dark grizzled hair was pushed back off his hot brow, which he fanned with his straw hat. Though not broad, that brow was the broadest part of a narrow oval face whose length was increased by a short, dark, pointed beard-a visage such as Vandyk might have painted, grave and gentle, but for its bright grey eyes, cinder-lashed and crow's-footed, and its strange look of not seeing what was before it. He walked quickly, though he was tired and hot; tall, upright, and thin, in a grey parsonical suit, on whose black kerseymere vest a little gold cross dangled.

What this Textopian page supports

Saints Progress is listed on Textopian as a novel by John Galsworthy, dated 1920 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: 1920 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama, Philosophical Fiction, Historical Fiction
Length: 116,646 words
Structure: 40 chapters, 2,133 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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How does this novel 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 characters and themes, focusing on the human condition and societal issues.
Social Commentary — It critiques social norms and class structures, reflecting on the moral dilemmas faced by individuals.
Drama — The narrative involves intense emotional conflicts and character development, typical of dramatic literature.
Philosophical Fiction — It delves into existential questions and moral philosophy, prompting readers to reflect on deeper meanings.