The Forsyte Saga · Chapter
At Timothy's explained
The chapter opens with a reflection on the possessive instinct within the Forsyte family, noting its evolution alongside societal changes in the late 19th century.
What happens
The chapter opens with a reflection on the possessive instinct within the Forsyte family, noting its evolution alongside societal changes in the late 19th century. It details the recent funeral of Susan Hayman and the family's shifting attitudes toward death, property, and individual liberty, exemplified by Euphemia's remark about owning one's own body. The narrative then focuses on Soames Forsyte, who attends Roger's funeral and visits his aunts at Timothy's. Soames, now wealthy and lonely, contemplates his undivorced status and his growing attraction to a French girl, Annette, which stirs his desire for a legitimate heir and a new domestic life.
Themes in this chapter
Possessiveness and the Sense of Property
The chapter opens with a meditation on the possessive instinct in the Forsyte family and society, and explores Soames's desire to own a wife and heir as an extension of his property.
Individualism vs. Conformity
Euphemia's remark about owning one's own body and the younger Forsytes' revolt against being owned illustrate a growing individualism that challenges family conformity.
Social Class and Change
The narrative notes the Forsytes' dispersion and changing attitudes toward death, marriage, and reproduction, reflecting broader social shifts in late Victorian England.
Gender and Power
Soames's contemplation of his undivorced status and his attraction to Annette highlights the power dynamics in marriage and the legal constraints on women's autonomy.
Characters to notice
- Soames Forsyte
Attends Roger's funeral and visits his aunts at Timothy's; reflects on his wealth, loneliness, and desire for a legitimate heir, feeling drawn to a French girl named Annette.
- Juley Forsyte
One of the 'Old Things' at Timothy's; Soames visits her and Aunt Hester to share news of the funeral.
- Hester Forsyte
The other 'Old Thing' at Timothy's; Soames visits her and Aunt Juley to relay funeral details.
- James Forsyte
Soames's father, aged eighty-eight, too frail to attend Roger's funeral.
- Timothy Forsyte
Uncle Timothy, who did not attend the funeral; his home on Bayswater Road serves as the family gossip hub.
- Nicholas Forsyte
The only brother present at Roger's funeral; father of Euphemia, and a Liberal of the old school who disapproves of modern liberties.
- Euphemia Forsyte
Daughter of Nicholas; makes a daring remark about people having a right to their own bodies, reflecting shifting family attitudes.
- Roger Forsyte
Recently deceased; his funeral at Highgate is described as perfect, prompting Soames's visit to Timothy's.
Key passages
“The possessive instinct never stands still. Through florescence and feud, frosts and fires, it followed the laws of progression even in the Forsyte family which had believed it fixed forever.”
The desire to possess is always evolving, and even the Forsyte family, which thought itself unchanging, has been subject to this progression through good times and bad.
Opening reflection on the theme of possessiveness and change.
“Euphemia, the pale, the thin: 'Well, I think people have a right to their own bodies, even when they're dead.'”
Euphemia boldly asserts that individuals should have control over their own bodies, even after death.
Illustrates the shift toward individualism and self-ownership among the younger Forsytes.
“He was worth today well over a hundred thousand pounds, and had no one to leave it to—no real object for going on with what was his religion.”
Soames had amassed a fortune of over £100,000 but had no heir, leaving him without a purpose for his lifelong devotion to accumulating wealth.
Highlights Soames's existential crisis and his desire for a family.
