The Forsyte Saga · Chapter
The Native Heath explained
Val Dartie attends a race meeting, where he encounters the enigmatic Prosper Profond and his cousin George Forsyte.
What happens
Val Dartie attends a race meeting, where he encounters the enigmatic Prosper Profond and his cousin George Forsyte. After initially hesitating, Val decides to buy the Mayfly filly he had been eyeing, only to have Profond purchase it and offer it to him as a gift. The chapter also explores Winifred Dartie's reflections on her family and the modern generation, particularly her niece Fleur, and discusses the delicate situation of Holly's young half-brother Jon coming to live with them.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Change
The chapter contrasts old Forsyte values with the modern, restless generation, exemplified by Fleur and the disillusioned attitudes of George Forsyte and Prosper Profond.
Individualism vs. Conformity
Val's struggle between his Forsyte shrewdness and his desire to breed horses for looks rather than conforming to fashion highlights this theme.
Family and Duty
Winifred's concern for family reputation and the delicate situation of Jon living with Val and Holly reflect the theme of family obligations.
Characters to notice
- Val Dartie
Attends the races, contemplates buying a Mayfly filly, and accepts the gift of the horse from Prosper Profond.
- Prosper Profond
Meets Val at the races, buys the Mayfly filly, and offers it to Val as a gift; described as a 'good devil' and a foreigner.
- Winifred Dartie
Reflects on her marriage to Montague Dartie, her children, and the modern generation; discusses the family skeleton with Val.
- George Forsyte
Present at the races with Prosper Profond, described as large, bull-like, and sardonic.
- Fleur Forsyte
Discussed by Winifred as a restless modern young woman with French taste and a determined nature.
- Holly Forsyte
Val's wife, mentioned as sensible and having a nice face; she drives Val to the station.
- Jon Forsyte
Holly's young half-brother, coming to live with Val and Holly to learn farming.
- Soames Forsyte
Mentioned in the context of the family skeleton regarding his first wife Irene and his marriage to a Frenchwoman.
Key passages
“I made a small lot of money in the War. I ’ad armament shares. I like to give it away. I’m always makin’ money. I want very small lot myself. I like my friends to ’ave it.”
Prosper Profond explains that he profited from armament shares during the war and enjoys giving money away to friends.
Highlights Profond's casual attitude toward wealth and his generosity, which contrasts with the Forsyte sense of property.
“Life over here’s a game! Muffin bell rings, horses run, money changes hands; ring again, run again, money changes back.”
Val reflects that life in England feels like a repetitive game of betting and money exchange.
Shows Val's growing disillusionment with the superficiality of English racing society.
“The child was a 'very pretty little thing,' too, and quite a credit to take about, with her mother’s French taste and gift for wearing clothes; everybody turned to look at Fleur.”
Winifred admires Fleur's beauty and French-influenced style, noting that she attracts attention wherever she goes.
Emphasizes Fleur's modern allure and the family's preoccupation with appearance and social standing.
