# June Takes a Hand explained — The Forsyte Saga > Chapter companion for The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy. ## What happens June Forsyte hosts an evening in her studio where she confronts the sculptor Boris Strumolowski about his ungrateful criticism of England, ultimately defending her country. Later, Fleur Forsyte visits to discuss her relationship with Jon, deciding to end it to spare him pain. June agrees to facilitate a final meeting between them. ## Themes in this chapter ### Art vs. Materialism The conflict between artistic idealism and financial necessity is central, as Strumolowski criticizes England's materialism while relying on June's support and the 'American stream' of buyers. ### Individualism vs. Conformity June's defense of England against Strumolowski's blanket criticism highlights her individualistic stance, while the artists' demands for gallery time reflect conformity to market pressures. ### Family and Duty Fleur's decision to end her relationship with Jon to protect him from family secrets underscores the theme of familial duty overriding personal desire. ## Character check-ins ### June Forsyte Hosts an evening in her studio, defends England against Strumolowski's criticism, and later agrees to help Fleur arrange a final meeting with Jon. ### Boris Strumolowski A sculptor and guest at June's studio, he criticizes England and argues with June about his art and financial support. ### Fleur Forsyte Visits June to discuss her relationship with Jon, deciding to end it to prevent him from suffering. ### Hannah Hobdey A medieval black-and-whitist present at June's studio, murmuring support for Strumolowski's criticisms. ### Jimmy Portugal Editor of the Neo-Artist, present at the studio, sniggering at Strumolowski's remarks and later damning various artists. ## Key lines > One who was a sculptor, a Slav, a sometime resident in New York, an egoist, and impecunious, was to be found of an evening in June Forsyte’s studio on the bank of the Thames at Chiswick. A sculptor, a Slav, who had lived in New York, was egotistical, and had no money, could be found one evening in June Forsyte's studio by the Thames at Chiswick. _Introduces Boris Strumolowski and sets the scene._ > This⁠—he said⁠—was characteristic of England, the most selfish country in the world; the country which sucked the blood of other countries; destroyed the brains and hearts of Irishmen, Hindus, Egyptians, Boers, and Burmese, all the best races in the world; bullying, hypocritical England! He claimed that England was the most selfish country, exploiting other nations and destroying their people, calling it bullying and hypocritical. _Strumolowski's harsh critique of England provokes June's defense._ > “You come and sponge on us,” she said, “and then abuse us. If you think that’s playing the game, I don’t.” June accused him of taking advantage of England's hospitality while insulting it, stating that she did not consider that fair play. _June's direct confrontation with Strumolowski reveals her patriotic and principled nature._ > “I don’t want Jon to suffer. I must see him once more to put an end to it.” Fleur expressed her desire to prevent Jon from experiencing pain and insisted on meeting him one last time to end their relationship. _Fleur's decision to end the relationship to protect Jon highlights her sense of responsibility._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-vii-june-takes-a-hand - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters