The Forsyte Saga · Chapter
Jolly Sits in Judgment explained
Jolly Forsyte grapples with his feelings about the Boer War and his cousin Val Dartie, culminating in a physical fight after Val calls him a 'pro-Boer.' Meanwhile, Jolly discovers that his sister Holly has been secretly riding with Val, lea
What happens
Jolly Forsyte grapples with his feelings about the Boer War and his cousin Val Dartie, culminating in a physical fight after Val calls him a 'pro-Boer.' Meanwhile, Jolly discovers that his sister Holly has been secretly riding with Val, leading to a tense confrontation and Jolly's internal conflict over how to handle the situation.
Themes in this chapter
Individualism vs. Conformity
Jolly's internal conflict over the war and his fight with Val highlight the tension between personal conviction and social pressure to conform to patriotic norms.
Family and Duty
Jolly's sense of duty towards his sister Holly and his grandfather's memory clashes with his desire to avoid family scandal.
Social Class and Change
The war debate divides youth along class lines, with Jolly's 'set of the best' and Val's circle reflecting conservative versus radical tendencies.
Characters to notice
- Jolly Forsyte
Struggles with his stance on the Boer War, fights Val Dartie over being called a 'pro-Boer,' and discovers Holly's secret rides with Val.
- Val Dartie
Calls Jolly a 'pro-Boer,' fights him, and secretly rides with Holly in the Park.
- Holly Forsyte
Defends her secret rides with Val against Jolly's accusations, angered by her brother's interference.
- Young Jolyon Forsyte
Mentioned as having doubtful views on the war; absent in Paris during the vacation.
- Old Jolyon Forsyte
Recalled in memory by Jolly, associated with the house and a gentle influence on Jolly's decision-making.
- June Forsyte
Present at Robin Hill, occupied with lame ducks like Eric Cobbley, but Jolly hesitates to confide in her.
- Nicholas Forsyte
Expresses early doubts about the Boer War and property concerns, predicting Black Week.
- Eric Cobbley
Mentioned as one of June's lame ducks, an 'outsider' Jolly dislikes.
Key passages
“The possessive instinct, which, so determinedly balked, was animating two members of the Forsyte family towards riddance of what they could no longer possess, was hardening daily in the British body politic.”
The stubborn desire to hold onto what they were losing was driving two Forsytes to get rid of it, and this same stubbornness was spreading through British society.
Opens the chapter, linking personal possessiveness to national sentiment about the Boer War.
“Jolly was one of those who knew not where he stood. A streak of his grandfather old Jolyon’s love of justice prevented him from seeing one side only.”
Jolly was uncertain about his opinion on the war because he inherited his grandfather's sense of fairness, which kept him from taking a one-sided view.
Explains Jolly's internal conflict and his inherited moral compass.
“He felt queerly disturbed, shaken to his young foundations. A lifelong domination lay shattered round his feet.”
Jolly was deeply unsettled, as if the control he had always had over Holly had suddenly been destroyed.
Describes Jolly's reaction to discovering Holly's secret rides with Val.
“Do nothing; be nice to Holly, be nice to her, my dear!”
The inner voice, like his grandfather's, advised him to take no action and simply be kind to Holly.
Jolly's imagined advice from old Jolyon guides him toward restraint.
