The Broken Boot by John Galsworthy

Name: The Broken Boot
Author: John Galsworthy

The novel revolves around the lives of two families, the Fawleys and the Chaveleys, who are connected through marriage. The story explores themes of love, family dynamics, and social class. The narrative centers on the struggles of the working-class Chaveley family, particularly their daughter, who is forced into a loveless marriage with a wealthy man from a higher social class. This union highlights the societal pressures that dictate the lives of women during this period. Meanwhile, the Fawleys, a middle-class family, grapple with their own set of problems, including infidelity and financial struggles. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships within these families, revealing the tensions between love, duty, and social expectations. Throughout the story, Galsworthy critiques the social conventions that govern the lives of his characters, particularly women, who are often trapped by their circumstances. The novel ultimately presents a nuanced portrayal of the human experience, highlighting both the beauty and the ugliness of life in this era.

By John Galsworthy · First published 1908 · Genre: Drama, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary · 1,969 words

First lines

The actor, Gilbert Caister, who had been ‘out' for six months, emerged from his East Coast seaside lodging about noon in the day, after the opening of ‘Shooting the Rapids,' on tour, in which he was playing Dr. Dominick in the last act. A salary of four pounds a week would not, he was conscious, remake his fortunes, but a certain jauntiness had returned to the gait and manner of one employed again at last.

What this Textopian page supports

The Broken Boot is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
Author: John Galsworthy
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Character Study, Comedy
Length: 1,969 words
Structure: 1 section, 51 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The narrative centers around the life of an actor, exploring themes of performance, identity, and the struggles of the theatrical profession.
Literary Fiction — The work delves into character development and introspection, focusing on the protagonist's thoughts and emotions.
Social Commentary — It critiques societal perceptions of success and the hardships faced by artists, reflecting on class and economic struggles.
Character Study — The story provides an in-depth look at the protagonist's psyche and personal challenges, emphasizing individual experience.