Threshing by John Galsworthy (1908)

Name: Threshing
Author: John Galsworthy

The novel revolves around the lives of two families, the Forsytes and the Plessys, who are connected through marriage. The story explores themes of class, social status, and the changing values of society during the late 19th century. The Forsyte family, known for their material wealth and conservative values, is represented by Soames Forsyte, a lawyer who marries Irene Heron, a beautiful and independent woman from a lower social class. However, their marriage is troubled due to Soames' possessiveness and Irene's desire for freedom. Meanwhile, the Plessy family, known for their aristocratic connections and liberal values, is represented by Fleur Plessy, who marries Michael Mont, a young man from a lower social class. Their relationship is marked by a deep emotional connection and a shared sense of morality. Throughout the novel, the characters navigate complex relationships, societal expectations, and personal desires, ultimately leading to a confrontation between the old values of the Forsyte family and the new values represented by Fleur and Michael.

By John Galsworthy · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Nature Writing · 1,726 words

First lines

When the drone of the thresher breaks through the autumn sighing of trees and wind, or through that stillness of the first frost, I get restless and more restless, till, throwing down my pen, I have gone out to see. For there is nothing like the sight of threshing for making one feel good -- not in the sense of comfort, but at heart. There, under the pines and the already leafless elms and beech-trees, close to the great stacks, is the big, busy creature, with its small black puffing engine astern; and there, all around it, is that conglomeration of unsentimental labour which invests all the crises of farm work with such fascination. The crew of the farm is only five all told, but to-day they are fifteen, and none strangers, save the owners of the travelling thresher.

What this Textopian page supports

Threshing 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, Realism, Nature Writing, Social Commentary, Descriptive Prose
Length: 1,726 words
Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The work explores deep themes of labor, nature, and human experience with a focus on character and setting.
Realism — It presents a detailed and unembellished depiction of rural life and the realities of agricultural work.
Nature Writing — The narrative emphasizes the relationship between humans and the natural environment, highlighting the beauty and challenges of rural life.
Social Commentary — It reflects on social dynamics, labor, and the human condition within the context of farming.