Soames Puts It to the Touch explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Possessiveness and the Sense of Property

  Soames views Irene as a possession he has a right to reclaim, and his offer of the brooch symbolizes his attempt to reassert ownership.

• Love vs. Marriage as a Contract

  Soames proposes a practical, contractual reunion focused on producing a son, while Irene's refusal underscores the absence of love.

• Family and Duty

  Soames's desire for a son is tied to family legacy and duty, as highlighted by James's lament about grandsons.

Characters to notice

• Soames Forsyte

  Soames buys a diamond brooch for Irene's birthday and visits her flat, attempting to persuade her to return to him and bear him a son.

• Irene Forsyte

  Irene returns to her flat and is confronted by Soames, who offers her the brooch and a renewed marriage; she refuses both.

• James Forsyte

  James dines at Park Lane with Soames, expressing gloom about the Boer War and lamenting that Soames has no son.

• Emily Forsyte

  Emily is present at the Park Lane dinner and tries to soothe James's remarks about Soames's lack of a son.

• Winifred Dartie

  Winifred's divorce case is mentioned; Soames reflects on the legal advice given by Dreamer Q.C. regarding restitution of conjugal rights.

• Montague Dartie

  Dartie is referenced as a peacock-like figure, contrasted with Soames's own self-image.

Key passages

• “Of all those radiant firms which emblazon with their windows the West End of London, Gaves and Cortegal were considered by Soames the most 'attractive'—word just coming into fashion.”

  Soames thought Gaves and Cortegal was the most appealing jewelry shop in the West End, using the then-new term 'attractive'.

  Sets the scene for Soames's purchase of the brooch.

• “He would have liked a grandson of his own name. And now—well, there it was! Soames flinched.”

  James wished for a grandson to carry on the Forsyte name, a remark that visibly upset Soames.

  Highlights the pressure on Soames to produce an heir.

• “Irene,' he said, 'let bygones be bygones. If I can, surely you might. Let's begin again, as if nothing had been. Won't you?'”

  Soames pleaded with Irene to forgive the past and restart their marriage as if nothing had happened.

  Soames's direct appeal for reconciliation.

• “She, who was standing literally with her back against the wall, gave a little gulp, and that was all her answer.”

  Irene, cornered and speechless, could only manage a small gasp in response to Soames's plea.

  Irene's physical and emotional retreat from Soames.

• “I just want—I just want a son. Don't look like that! I want one. It's hard.”

  Soames confessed his desperate desire for a son, reacting defensively to Irene's expression.

  Reveals Soames's primary motive for the reunion.