The Forsyte Saga · Chapter
Plans of the House explained
The chapter explores the Forsyte family's perception of Philip Bosinney as a man without a proper 'habitat,' contrasting his bohemian lifestyle with their own property-driven existence.
What happens
The chapter explores the Forsyte family's perception of Philip Bosinney as a man without a proper 'habitat,' contrasting his bohemian lifestyle with their own property-driven existence. June defends Bosinney against Aunt Juley's criticisms, while Soames reviews Bosinney's unconventional architectural plans for his new house, struggling to reconcile his own conservative tastes with the architect's emphasis on space, air, and self-respect.
Themes in this chapter
Individualism vs. Conformity
Bosinney's unconventional lifestyle and architectural philosophy clash with the Forsytes' conformist, property-driven values. His emphasis on 'self-respect' in design challenges Soames's conventional tastes.
Art vs. Materialism
Bosinney's artistic vision for the house prioritizes space, air, and light over the Forsyte preference for commodious, ornamented homes. Soames's materialistic concerns about coldness and wasted space highlight the conflict.
Possessiveness and the Sense of Property
The chapter opens with the Forsyte concept of 'habitats'—the idea that a man is defined by his possessions. Soames's scrutiny of the plans reflects his possessive concern for the house as a symbol of status and comfort.
Characters to notice
- Philip Bosinney
Described as having no habitat; his rooms and eccentric background are detailed. He presents his architectural plans to Soames, advocating for regularity and self-respect in design.
- June Forsyte
Defends Bosinney against Aunt Juley's comments, showing fierce loyalty. She is frustrated by family interference and the nickname 'The Buccaneer.'
- Soames Forsyte
Reviews Bosinney's house plans with a mix of puzzlement and hidden satisfaction. He struggles to express approval and is concerned about the house's coldness for Irene.
- Irene Forsyte
Briefly appears downstairs entertaining Bosinney while Soames shaves. Soames notes she seems friendly with Bosinney and is concerned about her comfort in the new house.
- Juley Forsyte
Visits June unannounced, expressing concern about Bosinney's thinness and the nickname 'The Buccaneer.' She mentions Timothy's opinion that Irene should go out more.
Key passages
“Forsytes, as is generally admitted, have shells, like that extremely useful little animal which is made into Turkish delight; in other words, they are never seen, or if seen would not be recognised, without habitats, composed of circumstance, property, acquaintances, and wives, which seem to move along with them in their passage through a world composed of thousands of other Forsytes with their habitats.”
Forsytes are defined by their surroundings—their social standing, possessions, friends, and spouses—much like a turtle carries its shell; without these, they are unrecognizable.
Introduces the central metaphor of the Forsyte 'habitat,' linking identity to property and social context.
“The principle of this house,' said the architect, 'was that you should have room to breathe—like a gentleman!'”
Bosinney explains that the house is designed to provide ample space, reflecting a gentleman's dignity.
Highlights the clash between Bosinney's ideal of spaciousness and Soames's practical concerns.
“I've tried to plan you a house here with some self-respect of its own. If you don't like it, you'd better say so. It's certainly the last thing to be considered—who wants self-respect in a house, when you can squeeze in an extra lavatory?”
Bosinney asserts that his design prioritizes the house's integrity over mere utility, sarcastically questioning the value of self-respect compared to extra amenities.
Emphasizes the theme of art versus materialism, as Bosinney criticizes conventional priorities.
