Virtue by John Galsworthy (1922)

The novel explores the complexities of human relationships and morality through the lives of a wealthy family. It delves into themes of social class, love, and redemption, highlighting the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. The story revolves around the struggles of its characters as they navigate their own virtues and vices in a world governed by strict moral codes.

By John Galsworthy · First published 1922 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama · 3,610 words

First lines

Harold Mellesh, minor clerk in an accident assurance society, having occasion to be present at a certain police court to give evidence in the matter of a smashed car, stood riveted by manifestations of the law entirely new to him. His eyes, blue and rather like those of a baby, were opened very widely, his ingenuous forehead wrinkled, his curly hair was moving on his scalp, his fists involuntarily clenching his straw hat. He had seen four ladies of the town dealt with -- three ‘jugged,' and one fined -- before his sensations reached their climax. Perhaps she was prettier than the others, certainly younger, and she was crying.

What this Textopian page supports

Virtue is listed on Textopian as a novel by John Galsworthy, dated 1922 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: 1922 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama, Psychological Fiction, Realism
• Length: 3,610 words
• Structure: 1 section, 91 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for Virtue 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 Virtue?
• How does this novel by John Galsworthy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• Stroke Of Lightning by John Galsworthy
• The Apple Tree by John Galsworthy
• The Path Of Duty by Henry James
• Dame Care by Hermann Sudermann
• A House Of Gentlefolk by Ivan Turgenev
• Evolution by John Galsworthy

Genres

• Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of morality, virtue, and human relationships, focusing on character development and emotional depth.
• Social Commentary — It critiques societal norms and the treatment of women, particularly those in vulnerable positions, reflecting on class and gender issues.
• Drama — The narrative unfolds through intense personal conflict and dialogue, highlighting the emotional struggles of the protagonist.
• Psychological Fiction — It delves into the inner thoughts and moral dilemmas of the main character, examining his motivations and feelings.

Tags

Social Commentary · Realism · Philosophical Fiction · Psychological Insight · Family Drama · Class Conflict · Morality · Ethics · Societal Critique · English Literature · 20th Century Novel · Character Study

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