# Here We Are Again! explained — The Forsyte Saga

> Chapter companion for The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy.

## What happens

Winifred Dartie discovers that her estranged husband Montague has returned, having been 'burnt out' by his experiences abroad. Despite her family's advice to take legal action or pay him to leave, Winifred decides to keep him, feeling that she has retained her property. The chapter also follows Winifred and her daughter Imogen's preparations for Imogen's first season, and the family's tense reaction to Dartie's return.

## Themes in this chapter

### Possessiveness and the Sense of Property

Winifred's internal conflict centers on viewing Monty as her property, deciding to keep him despite his faults.

### Family and Duty

The Forsyte family rallies around Winifred, offering advice and support, while James worries about the impact on his health.

### Social Class and Change

The family's concern with appearances and social standing is evident in their handling of Dartie's return and Imogen's season.

## Character check-ins

### Winifred Dartie

Struggles with her husband's return, torn between outrage and a sense of ownership; decides to keep him despite family advice.

### Montague Dartie

Returns home after six months, looking worn and subdued; his boots are split, and he carries only lavender-water.

### Soames Forsyte

Advises Winifred, expresses frustration at the situation, and accompanies her to see their parents.

### James Forsyte

Distressed by Dartie's return, suggests paying him an allowance to leave England; shows concern for Winifred's safety.

### Emily Forsyte

Offers comfort to Winifred and suggests prosecuting Dartie for taking the pearls.

### Imogen Cardigan

Preparing for her first season; is absorbed in a novel and later kisses her father upon his return.

## Key lines

> And all he wanted, no doubt, was money—to keep him in cigars and lavender-water! That scent!

Winifred bitterly assumes Monty only wants money for luxuries like cigars and lavender-water, and the scent triggers her emotions.

_Highlights Winifred's resentment and the sensory memory of her husband._

> The feeling that, after all, she had won a sort of victory, retained her property, was every moment gaining ground in her.

Winifred increasingly feels that she has triumphed by keeping Monty, viewing him as her possession.

_Central to the theme of possessiveness and property._

> Something big and relentless had been 'at him,' had turned and twisted, raked and scraped him.

Monty appears worn and battered by his experiences abroad, as if a harsh force has reshaped him.

_Describes Monty's changed appearance and hints at his suffering._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters/part-ii-xiii-here-we-are-again
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_forsyte_saga_se/chapters