Stroke of Lightning

Name: Stroke of Lightning
Author: John Galsworthy

The novel revolves around the lives of two families, the Forsytes and the Pethursts, who are connected through marriage. The story explores themes of social class, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. The narrative centers on Soames Forsyte, a wealthy and materialistic man, and his wife Irene, who is unhappy in her marriage due to Soames' possessiveness and lack of emotional connection. Meanwhile, Fleur Pethurst, the daughter of a working-class family, becomes involved with Michael Mont, a young artist from a lower social class. As the story unfolds, the characters' relationships become increasingly complicated, leading to conflicts and power struggles between the two families. The novel ultimately explores the tension between old money and new, as well as the constraints placed on individuals by societal expectations. The narrative is characterized by Galsworthy's nuanced portrayal of the human condition, highlighting the complexities and flaws of his characters. Through their experiences, he critiques the social conventions of his time, revealing the emptiness and superficiality that can result from a focus on material wealth and status.

By John Galsworthy · First published 1900 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Drama · 5,285 words

First lines

This was before the war, and conditions were such that the tragedies and comedies of private lives seemed still to have importance.

What this Textopian page supports

Stroke of Lightning is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Galsworthy, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Drama, Psychological Fiction, Travel Literature
Length: 5,285 words
Structure: 1 section, 89 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Stroke of Lightning by John Galsworthy
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Stroke of Lightning?
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 characters and their emotional landscapes, focusing on themes of love, desire, and moral dilemmas.
Romance — Central to the plot is the romantic tension between the characters, particularly the unfulfilled love and longing experienced by Weymouth.
Drama — The narrative is driven by interpersonal conflicts and emotional crises, highlighting the dramatic consequences of the characters' choices.
Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the psychological motivations and inner turmoil of the characters, particularly regarding love and fidelity.