The Forsyte Saga · Chapter
VII: Fleur explained
Jon Forsyte meets Fleur at his sister Holly's house, where both have been invited without knowing the other would be present.
What happens
Jon Forsyte meets Fleur at his sister Holly's house, where both have been invited without knowing the other would be present. They share a secret understanding, having met previously in London, and agree to pretend they are strangers due to a family feud. Fleur arranges a secret early morning walk with Jon, and later writes a letter to a friend confessing she believes she is in love with him.
Themes in this chapter
Individualism vs. Conformity
Fleur rejects caution and convention, declaring 'caution's the most awful' and arranging a secret walk despite the family feud, embodying individualism.
Family and Duty
The secret feud between the Forsyte families creates tension, as Jon and Fleur must navigate their attraction against familial expectations.
Characters to notice
- Jon Forsyte
Jon is introduced to Fleur as a 'youngster' staying with Val and Holly. He is shy, silent, and deeply smitten by Fleur, feeling love and spring in his heart.
- Fleur Forsyte
Fleur is staying with Val and Holly for the weekend. She is self-possessed, quick, and deliberately orchestrates a secret meeting with Jon, later writing a letter confessing her love.
- Holly Forsyte
Holly is Jon's sister and Val's wife. She introduces Jon and Fleur, and later observes Jon's awkwardness at dinner.
- Val Dartie
Val is Holly's husband and Fleur's cousin. He recounts an incident about Monsieur Prosper Profond and discusses riding with Jon.
- Prosper Profond
Monsieur Prosper Profond is mentioned by Val in an anecdote told at dinner.
Key passages
“Of all things in the world, don't you think caution's the most awful?”
Fleur tells Jon that caution is the worst quality.
Fleur expresses her disdain for caution, setting the tone for her impulsive and romantic nature.
“I believe I'm in love. I've got it in the neck, only the feeling is really lower down.”
Fleur writes to her friend that she is in love, feeling it deeply.
Fleur's letter reveals her emotional and physical experience of falling in love with Jon.