The Windlestraw by John Galsworthy

The novel revolves around the aristocratic Windlestraws and their decline from power and influence. It explores themes of social change, class struggle, and the consequences of moral compromise. The story centers on the family's patriarch, who must navigate the complexities of his own identity and the shifting values of society.

By John Galsworthy · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Drama · 2,538 words

First lines

A certain writer, returning one afternoon from rehearsal of his play, sat down in the hall of the hotel where he was staying. "No," he reflected, "this play of mine will not please the Public; it is gloomy, almost terrible. This very day I read these words in my morning paper: 'No artist can afford to despise his Public, for, whether he confesses it or not, the artist exists to give the Public what it wants. ' I have, then, not only done what I cannot afford to do, but I have been false to the reason of my existence."

What this Textopian page supports

The Windlestraw is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
• Author: John Galsworthy
• Date: 1908 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Drama, Psychological Fiction, Satire
• Length: 2,538 words
• Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Windlestraw 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 The Windlestraw?
• 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

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• The Apple Tree by John Galsworthy
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• The Man Who Kept His Form by John Galsworthy
• Another Sheaf by John Galsworthy
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Genres

• Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of identity, public perception, and the role of the artist, characteristic of literary fiction.
• Philosophical Fiction — It delves into existential questions about the nature of the public and the artist's purpose, aligning with philosophical exploration.
• Drama — The narrative centers around a playwright's internal conflict regarding his work and audience, reflecting dramatic themes.
• Psychological Fiction — The protagonist's introspection and mental struggles highlight psychological elements.

Tags

Family Drama · Social Commentary · Realism · English Literature · Novel · Class Conflict · Marriage · Love Triangle · Morality · Ethics · Societal Expectations · Middle Class

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