The Forsyte Saga · Chapter
Soho explained
Soames Forsyte, now living in Brighton and working intensely, reflects on his failed marriage to Irene and his growing desire for a son.
What happens
Soames Forsyte, now living in Brighton and working intensely, reflects on his failed marriage to Irene and his growing desire for a son. He visits the Restaurant Bretagne in Soho, owned by Madame Lamotte and her daughter Annette, and invites them to his country house at Mapledurham. The chapter explores his internal conflict over seeking a divorce and his attraction to Annette as a means to secure an heir.
Themes in this chapter
Possessiveness and the Sense of Property
Soames' possessive memories of Irene and his desire to own Annette as a means to secure an heir reflect his proprietary instincts.
Love vs. Marriage as a Contract
Soames' marriage to Irene was a contract without love; his pursuit of Annette is driven by the need for an heir, not affection.
Aging and Mortality
Soames' obsession with having a son stems from a fear of his own mortality and the desire for continuity.
Characters to notice
- Soames Forsyte
Reflects on his past marriage to Irene, his years in Brighton, and his desire for a son. He visits the Restaurant Bretagne and invites Annette and her mother to Mapledurham.
- Irene Forsyte
Mentioned in Soames' memories of their marriage and her flight after Bosinney's death; he wonders about her current life.
- Annette Forsyte
The pretty daughter of Madame Lamotte, working at the Restaurant Bretagne. Soames is attracted to her and invites her to Mapledurham.
- Madame Lamotte
Annette's mother and co-owner of the Restaurant Bretagne; Soames considers her a potential obstacle to his plans.
- George Forsyte
Mentioned in a hypothetical remark about Soho being unsuited to the Forsyte spirit.
Key passages
“Why had she never loved him? Why? She had been given all she had wanted, and in return had given him, for three long years, all he had wanted—except, indeed, her heart.”
Soames wonders why Irene never loved him, despite his providing everything she desired, while she gave him everything but her affection.
Reflects Soames' bewilderment and sense of injustice over Irene's emotional withholding.
“To have an heir, some continuance of self, who would begin where he left off—ensure, in fact, that he would not leave off—had quite obsessed him for the last year and more.”
Soames has become obsessed with fathering a son to extend his legacy and ensure his own immortality.
Highlights Soames' existential drive for property and lineage.
“I want you and your mother to come for the afternoon next Sunday. My house is on the river, it's not too late in this weather; and I can show you some good pictures.”
Soames invites Annette and her mother to visit his country house at Mapledurham, using art as a pretext.
Shows Soames' calculated approach to courting Annette.