The Forsyte Saga · Chapter
Afternoon at Timothy's explained
Old Jolyon, irritated by James's prying into his affairs, goes to Timothy's to confront the family gossip about Bosinney's supposed infidelity with Irene.
What happens
Old Jolyon, irritated by James's prying into his affairs, goes to Timothy's to confront the family gossip about Bosinney's supposed infidelity with Irene. The drawing-room is crowded with Forsytes, including Swithin, James, Rachel, Winifred, Euphemia, and Francie. Swithin defends Irene, dismissing the rumors as mere flirtation. The chapter also explores Francie Forsyte's artistic pursuits and the family's pragmatic view of art as a commodity.
Themes in this chapter
Family and Duty
Old Jolyon's visit to Timothy's is driven by a sense of family duty to defend June's honor and confront the gossip about Bosinney.
Art vs. Materialism
Francie Forsyte's songs and sonata are evaluated by the family purely in terms of their market value, illustrating the Forsyte tendency to commodify art.
Social Class and Change
The family's concern over Irene's behavior reflects anxieties about maintaining social standing and propriety within the upper-middle class.
Characters to notice
- Old Jolyon Forsyte
Visits Timothy's to confront the family about the rumors concerning Bosinney and Irene; feels hostility toward James for prying into his affairs.
- James Forsyte
Arrives at Timothy's before Old Jolyon; his carriage blocks the pavement, and he is suspected of spreading gossip about seeing Old Jolyon with his son.
- Swithin Forsyte
Seated torpidly in a red satin chair; defends Irene, stating she may flirt but would not engage in scandal.
- Francie Forsyte
Present in the drawing-room; discussed for her musical compositions and songs, which she sells for pin-money; exemplifies the Forsyte attitude toward art.
- Euphemia Forsyte
Returns to Timothy's to return 'Passion and Paregoric'; laughs silently and squeaks, annoying Swithin.
- Juley Forsyte
Hosts the gathering; later, in her room, she worries about Old Jolyon and wishes to be of use to him.
- Hester Forsyte
Present in the drawing-room; later awakened by Aunt Juley's concerns about Old Jolyon, but offers no solution.
- Winifred Dartie
Among the visitors in the drawing-room at Timothy's.
Key passages
“If old Jolyon, as he got into his cab, had said: 'I won't believe a word of it!' he would more truthfully have expressed his sentiments.”
Old Jolyon's true feelings were that he refused to accept the rumor about Bosinney.
Reveals Old Jolyon's denial and protective stance toward his granddaughter June.
“He made up his mind that Bosinney was maligned. There must be some other reason for his defection.”
Old Jolyon concluded that Bosinney was being slandered and that there was another explanation for his behavior.
Shows Old Jolyon's loyalty to Bosinney and his distrust of the family gossip.
“As every Forsyte knows, rubbish that sells is not rubbish at all—far from it.”
According to Forsyte logic, any art that is commercially successful cannot be considered worthless.
Highlights the family's materialistic valuation of art.
