The Juryman by John Galsworthy

Name: The Juryman
Author: John Galsworthy

The novel revolves around the trial of a young man accused of murder. The story explores the complexities of justice and morality through the perspectives of various characters involved in the trial process. The protagonist's defense team, led by a seasoned lawyer, employs unorthodox tactics to challenge the prosecution's case. Meanwhile, the prosecutor is driven by a desire for conviction, which he believes will bring closure to the victim's family. As the trial unfolds, the novel delves into themes of class, privilege, and the social status of the accused. The jury, comprised of ordinary citizens, must weigh the evidence and make a decision that will have far-reaching consequences. Throughout the novel, Galsworthy critiques the British justice system, highlighting its flaws and biases. He also explores the psychological effects of the trial on those involved, including the accused, his family, and the jurors themselves. Ultimately, the novel raises questions about the nature of truth, guilt, and redemption in a society governed by laws and social norms.

By John Galsworthy · First published 1908 · Genre: Drama, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction · 2 chapters · 8,993 words

First lines

"Don't you see, brother, I was reading yesterday the Gospel about Christ, the little Father; how He suffered, how He walked on the earth. I suppose you have heard about it? " "Indeed, I have," replied Stepanuitch; "but we are people in darkness; we can't read. " -- TOLSTOI.

What this Textopian page supports

The Juryman is listed on Textopian as a novella 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: Novella
Author: John Galsworthy
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Drama, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction, Literary Fiction, War Fiction
Length: 8,993 words
Structure: 2 chapters, 107 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Drama — The narrative focuses on intense emotional conflicts and moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist, highlighting the human condition.
Social Commentary — The work critiques societal norms and the justice system, particularly in the context of war and personal sacrifice.
Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the psychological struggles of the characters, particularly the protagonist's internal conflict regarding duty and empathy.
Literary Fiction — The writing style is characterized by rich descriptions and deep character exploration, typical of literary fiction.