# June Pays Some Calls explained — The Forsyte Saga

> Chapter companion for The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy.

## What happens

June visits Mrs. Baynes and her aunt, seeking information about Philip Bosinney's behavior. Both encounters leave her frustrated and suspicious, as the women evade her questions. Meanwhile, Old Jolyon prepares for a business trip, troubled by his son's letter and the looming scandal involving Irene and Bosinney.

## Themes in this chapter

### Possessiveness and the Sense of Property

Old Jolyon's irritation at missing a Board meeting reflects his possessive attitude toward his business interests; Mrs. Baynes's concern about June's inheritance highlights property as a central concern.

### Family and Duty

June's visits are driven by a sense of duty to understand her fiancé's behavior, while Old Jolyon feels compelled to protect the family's reputation.

### Love vs. Marriage as a Contract

June's engagement to Bosinney is strained by his apparent neglect, hinting at the tension between romantic love and the contractual obligations of marriage.

## Character check-ins

### June Forsyte

Visits Mrs. Baynes and her aunt, growing increasingly suspicious and frustrated by their evasions about Bosinney.

### Philip Bosinney

Absent but central to June's inquiries; his lack of letters and behavior cause concern.

### Old Jolyon Forsyte

Prepares for a business trip, troubled by his son's letter and the situation with June and Irene.

### Young Jolyon Forsyte

Mentioned in Old Jolyon's thoughts; his letter defends Bosinney and expresses a cynical view of human nature.

### Irene Forsyte

Mentioned as the object of Bosinney's attention; Old Jolyon reflects on her dangerous allure.

### Soames Forsyte

Mentioned indirectly as Irene's husband and the owner of the house Bosinney is building.

## Key lines

> She had been hoping for this visit for some time past. Whispers had reached her that things were not all right between her nephew and his fiancée.

Mrs. Baynes had been expecting June's visit because rumors suggested trouble in June's engagement.

_Reveals the gossip circulating about June and Bosinney's relationship._

> He knew himself to be old, yet he felt young; and this troubled him.

Old Jolyon was disturbed by the contrast between his advanced age and his youthful feelings.

_Highlights Old Jolyon's internal conflict with aging and vitality._

> She was dangerous, and there was an end of it. He wanted to close his eyes to that affair.

Old Jolyon considered Irene dangerous and wished to ignore the situation involving her and Bosinney.

_Shows Old Jolyon's awareness of Irene's allure and his desire to avoid the scandal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-xii-june-pays-some-calls
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters