The Forsyte Saga · Chapter
Goya explained
Soames, troubled by Fleur's delayed return and the presence of Jon Forsyte nearby, contemplates his art collection, particularly a Goya painting he acquired through a complex scheme involving national pride and private profit.
What happens
Soames, troubled by Fleur's delayed return and the presence of Jon Forsyte nearby, contemplates his art collection, particularly a Goya painting he acquired through a complex scheme involving national pride and private profit. He interacts with guests including Prosper Profond, who buys a Gauguin, and Michael Mont, a young man with unconventional views on art and property. The chapter explores Soames's anxieties about his daughter's potential entanglement with the past and his deep attachment to his possessions.
Themes in this chapter
Possessiveness and the Sense of Property
Soames's anxiety over Fleur's whereabouts and his art collection reflects his deep-seated possessiveness; the acquisition of the Goya illustrates how property is entangled with national pride and personal gain.
Art vs. Materialism
The chapter contrasts genuine artistic appreciation (Soames's Goya) with the commodification of art (Profond's casual purchase, the noble owner's sale). Michael Mont's irreverent comments highlight the tension between art's value and its market price.
Social Class and Change
The interactions among Soames, Profond, Mont, and the Cardigans reveal shifting class dynamics and the impact of war and wealth on traditional hierarchies.
Characters to notice
- Soames Forsyte
Anxious about Fleur's delay and Jon's proximity; contemplates selling a Gauguin; reflects on his acquisition of the Goya; interacts with Profond and Mont.
- Prosper Profond
Buys the Gauguin from Soames; expresses a cynical view of life; comments on the English attitude toward pictures.
- Winifred Dartie
Informs Soames about Jon Forsyte staying with Val; advises Soames to tell Fleur the old truth; shows concern for peace and quiet.
- Michael Mont
Visits Soames's gallery; discusses art and property with irreverent humor; suggests a law forcing owners to display Old Masters publicly.
- Imogen Cardigan
Present at tea; compares her husband Jack unfavorably to Prosper Profond; reflects on Jack's obsessive fitness.
- Annette Forsyte
Hosts tea in the inglenook; described as having a fair Spanish beauty.
Key passages
“If they think they can have it both ways they are very much mistaken. So long as they leave me in quiet enjoyment the nation can have some of my pictures at my death. But if the nation is going to bait me, and rob me like this, I'm damned if I won't sell the ⸻ lot. They can't have my private property and my public spirit—both.”
The noble owner feels that if the government attacks him, he will sell his art rather than donate it, refusing to sacrifice both his property and his public spirit.
Illustrates the theme of possessiveness and the conflict between private property and public duty.
“Life's awful like a lot of monkeys scramblin' for empty nuts.”
Prosper Profond expresses a cynical view that human striving is ultimately meaningless.
Reflects Profond's detached, nihilistic perspective, contrasting with Soames's attachment to property.
“I think you take too much care. If I were you, I should tell her of that old matter. It's no good thinking that girls in these days are as they used to be.”
Winifred advises Soames to be open with Fleur about the past, noting that modern girls are more aware than previous generations.
Highlights the generational shift in attitudes and Soames's protective secrecy.
