Timber by John Galsworthy (1919)

Name: Timber
Author: John Galsworthy

The novel revolves around the lives of two families, the Foresters and the Scales, who are connected through marriage. The story explores themes of love, family dynamics, social class, and morality in late 19th-century England. The narrative centers on the complex relationships between the characters, particularly the struggles of the younger generation to navigate their own desires and values within the constraints of their families' expectations. Throughout the novel, Galsworthy critiques the social conventions and hypocrisies of his time, highlighting the tension between personal freedom and societal obligations.

By John Galsworthy · First published 1919 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Drama · 4,275 words

First lines

Sir Arthur Hirries, Baronet, of Hirriehugh, in a northern county, came to the decision to sell his timber, in that state of mind -- common during the war -- which may be called patrio-profiteering. Like newspaper proprietors, writers on strategy, shipbuilders, owners of factories, makers of arms and the rest of the working classes at large, his mood was: ‘Let me serve my country, and if thereby my profits are increased, let me put up with it, and invest in National Bonds.'

What this Textopian page supports

Timber is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Galsworthy, dated 1919 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: 1919 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Drama, Nature Writing, Tragedy
Length: 4,275 words
Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Timber 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 Timber?
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 themes of human experience, nature, and existential reflection, characteristic of literary fiction.
Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the protagonist's internal struggles, fears, and realizations, emphasizing psychological depth.
Drama — The tension and conflict within the protagonist's journey create a dramatic atmosphere, highlighting personal and situational crises.
Nature Writing — The detailed descriptions of the timber and natural surroundings reflect a strong connection to nature, a hallmark of this genre.