The Forsyte Saga · Chapter
XII: Progress of the Chase explained
Soames, through the detective Polteed, learns that Jolyon has been paying attention to Irene in Paris.
What happens
Soames, through the detective Polteed, learns that Jolyon has been paying attention to Irene in Paris. He confronts Jolyon, who admits to seeing Irene and declares his opposition to any forced reunion. Soames is left with a gnawing ache, realizing his possessive instinct may be thwarted.
Themes in this chapter
Possessiveness and the Sense of Property
Soames' jealous ache and his view of Irene as something to be possessed are central; he is described as 'enslaved by his own possessive instinct'.
Individualism vs. Conformity
Jolyon's feminist stance and opposition to forced marriage ties reflect individualism against societal norms of marital duty.
Gender and Power
The chapter explores the power dynamics in marriage, with Jolyon arguing against a woman living with a man she dislikes, and Soames trying to reassert control.
Characters to notice
- Soames Forsyte
Consults detective Polteed about Irene's activities in Paris; confronts Jolyon; struggles with possessive jealousy.
- Young Jolyon Forsyte
Meets with Soames; admits to seeing Irene in Paris; declares his feminist principles and opposition to Soames' plans.
- Irene Forsyte
Subject of the detective's surveillance in Paris; seen with Jolyon in public places.
- Polteed
Private detective reporting to Soames on Irene's movements and her association with Jolyon.
Key passages
“Was there anything, indeed, more tragic in the world than a man enslaved by his own possessive instinct, who couldn’t see the sky for it, or even enter fully into what another person felt!”
Jolyon reflects that Soames' possessiveness blinds him to reality and others' feelings, making his situation tragic.
Highlights the theme of possessiveness and its destructive effect.
“I’m against any woman living with any man whom she definitely dislikes. It appears to me rotten.”
Jolyon tells Soames he opposes forcing Irene to live with a man she dislikes, calling the idea morally wrong.
Jolyon's feminist declaration directly challenges Soames' plans.