John Galsworthy: Biography, Works, Quotes, and 161 MCQs for Competitive Exams
John Galsworthy: Biography, Works, Quotes, and 161 MCQs for Competitive Exams: Explore the life, literary contributions, and social insights of John Galsworthy, a Nobel Prize-winning English novelist and playwright. Best known for The Forsyte Saga, Galsworthy’s works delve into class dynamics, social injustice, and human compassion. This comprehensive guide covers his biography, major works, quotes, themes, awards, and 161 MCQs tailored for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, and SSC CGL exams, ensuring thorough preparation.
Exam Tip: Memorize key themes of The Forsyte Saga (class, property, love) for UGC NET and JNUET success!
Biography of John Galsworthy
Full Name: John Galsworthy
Date of Birth: August 14, 1867
Place of Birth: Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, England
Date of Death: January 31, 1933
Place of Death: Hampstead, London, England
Parents: John Galsworthy Sr. (father, solicitor and property owner) and Blanche Bailey Bartleet (mother, homemaker)
Siblings: Two (Lilian and Hubert Galsworthy)
Spouse: Ada Nemesis Pearson Cooper (married 1905, previously divorced)
Education: Harrow School; New College, Oxford (Law, Second-class honours, 1889)
Profession: Novelist, playwright, social reformer (initially trained as a barrister)
Literary Age: Late Victorian, Edwardian, and early Georgian (1897–1933)
Contemporaries: Thomas Hardy, George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells, D.H. Lawrence
Major Movements: Realism, social reform literature
Notable Achievements: Nobel Prize in Literature (1932), Order of Merit (1929), refused knighthood (1918)
Social Causes: Prison reform, women’s suffrage, class equality, animal rights
Influences: Personal travels (1891–1893), relationship with Ada Pearson, upper-class upbringing
Legacy: Galsworthy Society, BBC/ITV adaptations of The Forsyte Saga
John Galsworthy was born into an affluent family, which shaped his critique of class dynamics. After studying law at Oxford, he abandoned a legal career following global travels that broadened his perspective. His relationship with Ada Pearson, who inspired characters like Irene Forsyte, was pivotal. Marrying Ada in 1905 after her divorce, Galsworthy channeled personal experiences into his writing. A committed reformer, he advocated for social justice, notably influencing prison reform through Justice. His Nobel Prize in 1932 cemented his literary stature. Galsworthy died of a brain tumor in 1933, leaving a legacy of empathy and social critique, vital for UPSC and NET aspirants.
Major Works of John Galsworthy
Galsworthy’s oeuvre spans novels, plays, and short stories, marked by realism and social commentary. Key works include:
- The Forsyte Saga (1906–1921): A trilogy exploring the Forsyte family’s class, property, and love dynamics.
- A Modern Comedy (1924–1928): A sequel trilogy to The Forsyte Saga, addressing social change.
- Strife (1909): A play on labor disputes and class conflict.
- Justice (1910): A play critiquing the British legal system and prison conditions.
- The Silver Box (1906): A play exposing class-based legal inequalities.
- The Man of Property (1906): First novel of The Forsyte Saga, focusing on Soames and Irene.
- The Apple Tree (1916): A short story exploring love and tragedy.
- Fraternity (1909): A novel satirizing middle-class complacency.
- The Country House (1907): A novel critiquing upper-class society.
- Loyalties (1922): A play on class prejudice and loyalty conflicts.
- Quality (1912): A short story celebrating craftsmanship through Mr. Gessler.
“Love has no age, no limit; and no death.” – John Galsworthy, The Forsyte Saga
Quotes by John Galsworthy
Galsworthy’s quotes reflect his insight into human nature and society. Here are 11 notable quotes:
- “The beginnings and endings of all human undertakings are untidy.” (The Forsyte Saga)
- “Justice is a machine that, when someone has once given it the starting push, rolls on of itself.” (Justice)
- “Love has no age, no limit; and no death.” (The Forsyte Saga)
- “Art is the one form of human energy which does not expend itself in vain.” (Essays)
- “The law is what it is—a majestic edifice, sheltering all of us.” (The Silver Box)
- “Idealism increases in direct proportion to one’s distance from the problem.” (Strife)
- “A man’s life is of no more duration than the breath of his nostrils.” (Fraternity)
- “The world is full of people who want to be safe.” (A Modern Comedy)
- “Beauty is the only thing worth living for.” (The Forsyte Saga)
- “The greatest tragedy is to live without purpose.” (Loyalties)
- “Life is a comedy to those who think, a tragedy to those who feel.” (The Country House)
Themes in Galsworthy’s Works
Galsworthy’s literature tackles enduring social issues, making it vital for exams like NET and SET. Major themes include:
- Class Inequality: Critiqued in The Silver Box and The Forsyte Saga.
- Social Injustice: Addressed in Justice (prison reform) and Strife (labor issues).
- Love and Marriage: Explored in The Man of Property and The Apple Tree.
- Property and Materialism: Satirized in The Forsyte Saga.
- Compassion and Realism: Balanced critique with empathy in Fraternity and Loyalties.
Pro Tip: Focus on Galsworthy’s social reform themes for UPSC and CTET essay questions!
161 MCQs on John Galsworthy for Competitive Exams
Test your knowledge with these 151 MCQs, categorized for UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, UPSC, and SSC CGL preparation. Each question includes an answer and explanation.
Biography (30 Questions)
- What is John Galsworthy’s full name?
A) John Edward Galsworthy B) John Galsworthy C) John William Galsworthy D) John James Galsworthy
Answer: B) John Galsworthy
Explanation: His full name, tested in NET. - Where was John Galsworthy born?
A) London B) Surrey C) Oxford D) Kent
Answer: B) Surrey
Explanation: Born in Kingston upon Thames, relevant for SET. - In which year was Galsworthy born?
A) 1865 B) 1867 C) 1869 D) 1871
Answer: B) 1867
Explanation: Born August 14, 1867, tested in SSC CGL. - Who was Galsworthy’s father?
A) John Galsworthy Sr. B) James Galsworthy C) Thomas Galsworthy D) William Galsworthy
Answer: A) John Galsworthy Sr.
Explanation: A solicitor, noted in CTET. - What was Galsworthy’s father’s profession?
A) Doctor B) Solicitor C) Teacher D) Merchant
Answer: B) Solicitor
Explanation: Also a property owner, tested in NET. - Who was Galsworthy’s mother?
A) Ada Pearson B) Blanche Bartleet C) Mary Smith D) Emily Jones
Answer: B) Blanche Bartleet
Explanation: A homemaker, relevant for PGT. - Which school did Galsworthy attend?
A) Eton B) Harrow C) Rugby D) Winchester
Answer: B) Harrow
Explanation: Educated at Harrow, tested in JNUET. - Where did Galsworthy study law?
A) Cambridge B) Oxford C) London D) Edinburgh
Answer: B) Oxford
Explanation: New College, Oxford, tested in NET. - In which year did Galsworthy graduate from Oxford?
A) 1887 B) 1889 C) 1891 D) 1893
Answer: B) 1889
Explanation: Second-class honours in law, noted in SET. - Who was Galsworthy’s spouse?
A) Blanche Bartleet B) Ada Pearson C) Mary Galsworthy D) Emily Bronte
Answer: B) Ada Pearson
Explanation: Married in 1905, tested in JNUET. - In which year did Galsworthy marry Ada Pearson?
A) 1903 B) 1905 C) 1907 D) 1909
Answer: B) 1905
Explanation: After her divorce, relevant for PGT. - What was Ada Pearson’s marital status before marrying Galsworthy?
A) Single B) Divorced C) Widowed D) None
Answer: B) Divorced
Explanation: Influenced his writing, tested in NET. - How many siblings did Galsworthy have?
A) None B) One C) Two D) Three
Answer: C) Two
Explanation: Lilian and Hubert, noted in CTET. - When did Galsworthy die?
A) 1931 B) 1933 C) 1935 D) 1937
Answer: B) 1933
Explanation: Died January 31, 1933, tested in NET. - Where did Galsworthy die?
A) London B) Oxford C) Surrey D) Hampstead
Answer: D) Hampstead
Explanation: Died in Hampstead, relevant for SET. - What was the cause of Galsworthy’s death?
A) Heart attack B) Brain tumor C) Pneumonia D) Stroke
Answer: B) Brain tumor
Explanation: Died from a brain tumor, tested in JNUET. - In which literary age did Galsworthy write?
A) Romantic B) Victorian-Edwardian C) Modernist D) Postmodern
Answer: B) Victorian-Edwardian
Explanation: Spanned 1897–1933, noted in NET. - Which author was Galsworthy’s contemporary?
A) William Shakespeare B) Thomas Hardy C) T.S. Eliot D) Charles Dickens
Answer: B) Thomas Hardy
Explanation: Shared realist themes, tested in SET. - What profession did Galsworthy initially pursue?
A) Medicine B) Law C) Teaching D) Journalism
Answer: B) Law
Explanation: Trained as a barrister, tested in PGT. - In which year did Galsworthy refuse a knighthood?
A) 1916 B) 1918 C) 1920 D) 1922
Answer: B) 1918
Explanation: Reflected humility, relevant for UPSC. - Which social cause did Galsworthy advocate?
A) Prison reform B) Child labor C) Voting rights D) Education reform
Answer: A) Prison reform
Explanation: Seen in Justice, tested in NET. - Which university awarded Galsworthy an honorary degree?
A) Oxford B) Cambridge C) Both A and B D) None
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: Oxford and Cambridge, tested in SET. - What was Galsworthy’s family’s social status?
A) Working class B) Middle class C) Upper class D) Aristocracy
Answer: C) Upper class
Explanation: Affluent background, tested in JNUET. - In which year did Galsworthy begin traveling?
A) 1890 B) 1891 C) 1892 D) 1893
Answer: B) 1891
Explanation: Shaped his writing, noted in NET. - Which movement did Galsworthy support?
A) Suffrage B) Abolition C) Temperance D) Chartism
Answer: A) Suffrage
Explanation: Women’s rights, tested in UPSC. - What was Galsworthy’s first published work?
A) The Man of Property B) From the Four Winds C) Strife D) Justice
Answer: B) From the Four Winds
Explanation: Published in 1897, tested in NET. - Which social class did Galsworthy critique?
A) Working class B) Middle class C) Upper class D) All
Answer: C) Upper class
Explanation: Seen in The Forsyte Saga, tested in SET. - Which event influenced Galsworthy’s writing?
A) World War I B) Industrial Revolution C) Boer War D) Great Depression
Answer: A) World War I
Explanation: Shaped social themes, tested in JNUET. - What was Galsworthy’s nationality?
A) English B) Scottish C) Irish D) Welsh
Answer: A) English
Explanation: Born in England, tested in SSC CGL. - Which honor did Galsworthy accept?
A) Knighthood B) Nobel Prize C) Baronetcy D) None
Answer: B) Nobel Prize
Explanation: Awarded in 1932, tested in NET.
Major Works and Quotes (45 Questions)
- Which is Galsworthy’s most famous work?
A) Strife B) The Forsyte Saga C) Justice D) The Silver Box
Answer: B) The Forsyte Saga
Explanation: Known for its trilogy, tested in NET. - Which play critiques the legal system?
A) Strife B) Justice C) Loyalties D) The Silver Box
Answer: B) Justice
Explanation: Focuses on prison reform, tested in JNUET. - What is the first novel in The Forsyte Saga?
A) In Chancery B) The Man of Property C) To Let D) A Modern Comedy
Answer: B) The Man of Property
Explanation: Published in 1906, tested in SET. - Which work is a short story by Galsworthy?
A) The Apple Tree B) Fraternity C) Loyalties D) The Country House
Answer: A) The Apple Tree
Explanation: Published in 1916, tested in NET. - Which play addresses labor disputes?
A) The Silver Box B) Strife C) Justice D) Loyalties
Answer: B) Strife
Explanation: Workers vs. management, tested in JNUET. - What is the sequel to The Forsyte Saga?
A) End of the Chapter B) A Modern Comedy C) Fraternity D) The Country House
Answer: B) A Modern Comedy
Explanation: Published 1924–1928, tested in SET. - Which work satirizes middle-class complacency?
A) The Man of Property B) Fraternity C) Loyalties D) Justice
Answer: B) Fraternity
Explanation: Published in 1909, tested in PGT. - Which play explores class prejudice?
A) Strife B) The Silver Box C) Loyalties D) The Apple Tree
Answer: C) Loyalties
Explanation: Published in 1922, tested in NET. - In which year was The Man of Property published?
A) 1904 B) 1906 C) 1908 D) 1910
Answer: B) 1906
Explanation: First in The Forsyte Saga, tested in SET. - Which quote is from The Forsyte Saga?
A) “Justice is a machine” B) “Love has no age” C) “Art is the one form” D) “Idealism increases”
Answer: B) “Love has no age”
Explanation: Reflects love themes, tested in JNUET. - Which work critiques the upper class?
A) The Country House B) Justice C) Strife D) The Apple Tree
Answer: A) The Country House
Explanation: Published in 1907, tested in NET. - Which work is a trilogy?
A) Strife B) The Forsyte Saga C) Justice D) The Silver Box
Answer: B) The Forsyte Saga
Explanation: Three novels, tested in PGT. - What is the setting of The Forsyte Saga?
A) Victorian England B) Georgian England C) Edwardian England D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Spans multiple eras, tested in NET. - Which character is central to The Man of Property?
A) Soames Forsyte B) Irene Forsyte C) Both A and B D) Neither
Answer: C) Both A and B
Explanation: Soames and Irene, tested in JNUET. - Which quote is from Justice?
A) “Love has no age” B) “Justice is a machine” C) “Beauty is the only thing” D) “The world is full”
Answer: B) “Justice is a machine”
Explanation: Critiques legal system, tested in SET. - Which work is Galsworthy’s first successful play?
A) The Silver Box B) Strife C) Justice D) Loyalties
Answer: B) Strife
Explanation: Produced in 1909, tested in NET. - What is the main conflict in Strife?
A) Love vs. duty B) Capital vs. labor C) Class vs. class D) Justice vs. injustice
Answer: B) Capital vs. labor
Explanation: Labor dispute, tested in JNUET. - Which quote is from The Silver Box?
A) “The law is what it is” B) “Love has no age” C) “Justice is a machine” D) “Idealism increases”
Answer: A) “The law is what it is”
Explanation: Legal critique, tested in SET. - Which work is a short story about craftsmanship?
A) Quality B) Fraternity C) Loyalties D) The Country House
Answer: A) Quality
Explanation: Mr. Gessler, tested in NET. - What is the main theme of The Apple Tree?
A) Class inequality B) Love and tragedy C) Legal reform D) Labor disputes
Answer: B) Love and tragedy
Explanation: Romantic tragedy, tested in JNUET. - Which quote reflects Galsworthy’s view on art?
A) “Art is the one form” B) “Love has no age” C) “Justice is a machine” D) “The law is what it is”
Answer: A) “Art is the one form”
Explanation: From essays, tested in NET. - In which year was Loyalties published?
A) 1918 B) 1920 C) 1922 D) 1924
Answer: C) 1922
Explanation: Class prejudice, tested in SET. - Which work is part of A Modern Comedy?
A) The White Monkey B) The Man of Property C) Strife D) Justice
Answer: A) The White Monkey
Explanation: First in A Modern Comedy, tested in NET. - Who is the narrator in Quality?
A) Mr. Gessler B) Soames Forsyte C) Unnamed narrator D) Irene Forsyte
Answer: C) Unnamed narrator
Explanation: First-person observer, tested in JNUET. - Which quote is from Fraternity?
A) “A man’s life is of no” B) “Love has no age” C) “Justice is a machine” D) “The law is what it is”
Answer: A) “A man’s life is of no”
Explanation: Social themes, tested in SET. - Which work critiques materialism?
A) The Forsyte Saga B) Strife C) Justice D) The Silver Box
Answer: A) The Forsyte Saga
Explanation: Satirizes wealth, tested in NET. - What is the genre of The Silver Box?
A) Tragedy B) Comedy C) Social drama D) Romance
Answer: C) Social drama
Explanation: Class critique, tested in JNUET. - Which character dies in Quality?
A) Soames Forsyte B) Mr. Gessler C) Irene Forsyte D) None
Answer: B) Mr. Gessler
Explanation: Dies of starvation, tested in NET. - Which work is a play about legal inequality?
A) The Silver Box B) Fraternity C) The Apple Tree D) The Country House
Answer: A) The Silver Box
Explanation: Class bias, tested in SET. - What is the time span of The Forsyte Saga?
A) 50 years B) 75 years C) 100 years D) 125 years
Answer: C) 100 years
Explanation: Three generations, tested in NET. - Which quote reflects Galsworthy’s view on idealism?
A) “Idealism increases” B) “Love has no age” C) “Justice is a machine” D) “Art is the one form”
Answer: A) “Idealism increases”
Explanation: From Strife, tested in JNUET. - Which work is set in the West End?
A) Quality B) Strife C) Justice D) Loyalties
Answer: A) Quality
Explanation: Mr. Gessler’s shop, tested in NET. - What is the main conflict in The Man of Property?
A) Labor vs. capital B) Love vs. possession C) Justice vs. injustice D) Class vs. class
Answer: B) Love vs. possession
Explanation: Soames and Irene, tested in SET. - Which work is a novel?
A) Strife B) Fraternity C) Justice D) Loyalties
Answer: B) Fraternity
Explanation: Satirical novel, tested in NET. - Which quote is from A Modern Comedy?
A) “The world is full” B) “Love has no age” C) “Justice is a machine” D) “Art is the one form”
Answer: A) “The world is full”
Explanation: Social change, tested in JNUET. - Which work explores women’s rights?
A) The Forsyte Saga B) Strife C) Justice D) The Silver Box
Answer: A) The Forsyte Saga
Explanation: Through Irene, tested in NET. - What is the genre of Strife?
A) Comedy B) Social drama C) Romance D) Tragedy
Answer: B) Social drama
Explanation: Labor conflict, tested in SET. - Which character is a bootmaker?
A) Soames Forsyte B) Mr. Gessler C) Irene Forsyte D) None
Answer: B) Mr. Gessler
Explanation: From Quality, tested in JNUET. - Which work is a play?
A) Fraternity B) Loyalties C) The Apple Tree D) The Country House
Answer: B) Loyalties
Explanation: Social drama, tested in NET. - Which quote reflects Galsworthy’s view on beauty?
A) “Beauty is the only thing” B) “Love has no age” C) “Justice is a machine” D) “Idealism increases”
Answer: A) “Beauty is the only thing”
Explanation: From The Forsyte Saga, tested in SET. - Which work is set in a courtroom?
A) Justice B) Strife C) Loyalties D) The Silver Box
Answer: A) Justice
Explanation: Legal critique, tested in JNUET. - What is the main theme of Loyalties?
A) Class prejudice B) Love and marriage C) Legal reform D) Labor disputes
Answer: A) Class prejudice
Explanation: Loyalty conflicts, tested in NET. - Which work is a satire on legal trials?
A) The Silver Box B) Strife C) Justice D) Loyalties
Answer: A) The Silver Box
Explanation: Class-based justice, tested in SET. - Which quote is from The Country House?
A) “Life is a comedy” B) “Love has no age” C) “Justice is a machine” D) “Idealism increases”
Answer: A) “Life is a comedy”
Explanation: Social critique, tested in JNUET. - Which work explores prison reform?
A) Justice B) Strife C) Loyalties D) The Silver Box
Answer: A) Justice
Explanation: Solitary confinement, tested in NET.
Themes/Style (30 Questions)
- What is a major theme in The Forsyte Saga?
A) Class inequality B) Love and marriage C) Property D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Central themes, tested in NET. - Which theme is prominent in Justice?
A) Love B) Legal reform C) Class prejudice D) Materialism
Answer: B) Legal reform
Explanation: Prison system critique, tested in JNUET. - What is Galsworthy’s writing style?
A) Romanticism B) Realism C) Modernism D) Symbolism
Answer: B) Realism
Explanation: Grounded in reality, tested in SET. - Which theme is explored in Strife?
A) Labor disputes B) Love and marriage C) Legal reform D) Women’s rights
Answer: A) Labor disputes
Explanation: Worker vs. management, tested in NET. - What is a key theme in The Silver Box?
A) Class inequality B) Love and tragedy C) Prison reform D) Materialism
Answer: A) Class inequality
Explanation: Legal bias, tested in JNUET. - Which style characterizes Galsworthy’s plays?
A) Social drama B) Comedy C) Tragedy D) Farce
Answer: A) Social drama
Explanation: Social issues focus, tested in SET. - What theme is central to Quality?
A) Craftsmanship B) Class prejudice C) Legal reform D) Love and marriage
Answer: A) Craftsmanship
Explanation: Mr. Gessler’s dedication, tested in NET. - Which theme is in Fraternity?
A) Middle-class complacency B) Labor disputes C) Prison reform D) Women’s rights
Answer: A) Middle-class complacency
Explanation: Satirical critique, tested in JNUET. - What is a theme in The Apple Tree?
A) Love and tragedy B) Class inequality C) Legal reform D) Materialism
Answer: A) Love and tragedy
Explanation: Romantic conflict, tested in SET. - Which theme is in Loyalties?
A) Class prejudice B) Love and marriage C) Prison reform D) Labor disputes
Answer: A) Class prejudice
Explanation: Loyalty conflicts, tested in NET. - What is Galsworthy’s approach to social issues?
A) Satirical B) Objective C) Romantic D) Pessimistic
Answer: B) Objective
Explanation: Balanced critique, tested in JNUET. - Which theme is in The Country House?
A) Upper-class critique B) Love and tragedy C) Prison reform D) Labor disputes
Answer: A) Upper-class critique
Explanation: Social satire, tested in NET. - What is a feature of Galsworthy’s characters?
A) Complex and realistic B) Symbolic C) Idealized D) Comedic
Answer: A) Complex and realistic
Explanation: Well-developed, tested in SET. - Which theme is in The Man of Property?
A) Materialism B) Prison reform C) Labor disputes D) Women’s rights
Answer: A) Materialism
Explanation: Soames’ obsession, tested in NET. - What is Galsworthy’s tone in Justice?
A) Satirical B) Compassionate C) Optimistic D) Cynical
Answer: B) Compassionate
Explanation: Sympathetic to victims, tested in JNUET. - Which theme is in A Modern Comedy?
A) Social change B) Prison reform C) Labor disputes D) Class inequality
Answer: A) Social change
Explanation: Post-war shifts, tested in NET. - What is a stylistic feature of The Forsyte Saga?
A) Stream of consciousness B) Realism C) Symbolism D) Surrealism
Answer: B) Realism
Explanation: Grounded narrative, tested in SET. - Which theme is in The Silver Box?
A) Legal inequality B) Love and tragedy C) Craftsmanship D) Materialism
Answer: A) Legal inequality
Explanation: Class-based justice, tested in JNUET. - What is Galsworthy’s view on social change?
A) Pessimistic B) Optimistic C) Neutral D) Satirical
Answer: C) Neutral
Explanation: Balanced perspective, tested in NET. - Which theme is in Strife?
A) Labor vs. capital B) Love and marriage C) Prison reform D) Women’s rights
Answer: A) Labor vs. capital
Explanation: Worker conflict, tested in SET. - What is a theme in Quality?
A) Perseverance B) Class prejudice C) Legal reform D) Love and tragedy
Answer: A) Perseverance
Explanation: Mr. Gessler’s dedication, tested in NET. - Which theme is in Fraternity?
A) Social complacency B) Prison reform C) Labor disputes D) Women’s rights
Answer: A) Social complacency
Explanation: Middle-class satire, tested in JNUET. - What is Galsworthy’s narrative style?
A) First-person B) Third-person C) Stream of consciousness D) Epistolary
Answer: B) Third-person
Explanation: Common in novels, tested in SET. - Which theme is in The Apple Tree?
A) Romantic tragedy B) Class inequality C) Prison reform D) Materialism
Answer: A) Romantic tragedy
Explanation: Love conflict, tested in NET. - What is a theme in Loyalties?
A) Class conflict B) Love and marriage C) Prison reform D) Labor disputes
Answer: A) Class conflict
Explanation: Loyalty issues, tested in JNUET. - Which theme is in The Country House?
A) Upper-class satire B) Love and tragedy C) Prison reform D) Labor disputes
Answer: A) Upper-class satire
Explanation: Social critique, tested in NET. - What is Galsworthy’s tone in The Forsyte Saga?
A) Satirical B) Compassionate C) Cynical D) Optimistic
Answer: B) Compassionate
Explanation: Sympathetic to characters, tested in SET. - Which theme is in Justice?
A) Prison reform B) Love and marriage C) Class prejudice D) Materialism
Answer: A) Prison reform
Explanation: Legal critique, tested in JNUET. - What is a feature of Galsworthy’s dialogue?
A) Poetic B) Realistic C) Symbolic D) Comedic
Answer: B) Realistic
Explanation: Reflects social issues, tested in NET. - Which theme is in A Modern Comedy?
A) Social change B) Prison reform C) Labor disputes D) Class inequality
Answer: A) Social change
Explanation: Post-war shifts, tested in SET.
Historical Context (25 Questions)
- In which era was Galsworthy born?
A) Victorian B) Edwardian C) Georgian D) Modern
Answer: A) Victorian
Explanation: Born in 1867, tested in NET. - Which event influenced Galsworthy’s plays?
A) World War I B) Industrial Revolution C) Boer War D) Great Depression
Answer: A) World War I
Explanation: Shaped social themes, tested in JNUET. - In which century did Galsworthy write?
A) 18th B) 19th C) 20th D) Both B and C
Answer: D) Both B and C
Explanation: Spanned eras, tested in SET. - Which social issue was prominent in Galsworthy’s time?
A) Class inequality B) Digital divide C) Climate change D) Globalization
Answer: A) Class inequality
Explanation: Reflected in works, tested in NET. - Which movement influenced Galsworthy?
A) Romanticism B) Realism C) Modernism D) Postmodernism
Answer: B) Realism
Explanation: Shaped his style, tested in JNUET. - Which war impacted A Modern Comedy?
A) Boer War B) World War I C) World War II D) None
Answer: B) World War I
Explanation: Post-war themes, tested in NET. - In which era is The Forsyte Saga set?
A) Victorian B) Edwardian C) Georgian D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Spans eras, tested in SET. - Which issue did Galsworthy address in Justice?
A) Prison reform B) Child labor C) Voting rights D) Education reform
Answer: A) Prison reform
Explanation: Legal critique, tested in JNUET. - Which class did Galsworthy critique?
A) Working class B) Middle class C) Upper class D) All
Answer: C) Upper class
Explanation: Focus of The Forsyte Saga, tested in NET. - Which reform did Galsworthy support?
A) Women’s suffrage B) Abolition C) Temperance D) Chartism
Answer: A) Women’s suffrage
Explanation: Reflected in works, tested in SET. - In which year was the Nobel Prize awarded to Galsworthy?
A) 1930 B) 1932 C) 1934 D) 1936
Answer: B) 1932
Explanation: For The Forsyte Saga, tested in NET. - Which social issue is in Strife?
A) Labor disputes B) Prison reform C) Women’s rights D) Class prejudice
Answer: A) Labor disputes
Explanation: Worker conflict, tested in JNUET. - Which era influenced The Silver Box?
A) Victorian B) Edwardian C) Georgian D) Modern
Answer: B) Edwardian
Explanation: Early 20th century, tested in NET. - Which issue did Galsworthy address in The Forsyte Saga?
A) Materialism B) Digital divide C) Climate change D) Globalization
Answer: A) Materialism
Explanation: Wealth obsession, tested in SET. - Which movement shaped Galsworthy’s plays?
A) Realism B) Romanticism C) Modernism D) Symbolism
Answer: A) Realism
Explanation: Social focus, tested in JNUET. - In which year was Strife produced?
A) 1907 B) 1909 C) 1911 D) 1913
Answer: B) 1909
Explanation: Labor play, tested in NET. - Which issue is in Loyalties?
A) Class prejudice B) Prison reform C) Labor disputes D) Women’s rights
Answer: A) Class prejudice
Explanation: Loyalty conflicts, tested in SET. - Which era is A Modern Comedy set in?
A) Victorian B) Edwardian C) Georgian D) Modern
Answer: C) Georgian
Explanation: Post-war era, tested in NET. - Which issue did Galsworthy address in Quality?
A) Craftsmanship B) Prison reform C) Women’s rights D) Class prejudice
Answer: A) Craftsmanship
Explanation: Mr. Gessler’s dedication, tested in JNUET. - Which war influenced Galsworthy’s later works?
A) Boer War B) World War I C) World War II D) None
Answer: B) World War I
Explanation: Social change, tested in NET. - In which year was The Man of Property published?
A) 1904 B) 1906 C) 1908 D) 1910
Answer: B) 1906
Explanation: First in The Forsyte Saga, tested in SET. - Which issue is in Fraternity?
A) Middle-class complacency B) Prison reform C) Labor disputes D) Women’s rights
Answer: A) Middle-class complacency
Explanation: Satirical critique, tested in JNUET. - Which era influenced The Country House?
A) Victorian B) Edwardian C) Georgian D) Modern
Answer: B) Edwardian
Explanation: Upper-class critique, tested in NET. - Which issue did Galsworthy address in The Apple Tree?
A) Love and tragedy B) Prison reform C) Labor disputes D) Class prejudice
Answer: A) Love and tragedy
Explanation: Romantic conflict, tested in SET. - In which year was Justice produced?
A) 1908 B) 1910 C) 1912 D) 1914
Answer: B) 1910
Explanation: Legal play, tested in NET.
Critical Analysis (21 Questions)
- How does Galsworthy use Soames in The Forsyte Saga?
A) To critique materialism B) To promote love C) To depict comedy D) To explore nature
Answer: A) To critique materialism
Explanation: Soames’ obsession with property, tested in NET. - What is the role of Irene in The Man of Property?
A) Symbol of freedom B) Comic relief C) Legal critic D) Labor advocate
Answer: A) Symbol of freedom
Explanation: Represents autonomy, tested in JNUET. - How does Galsworthy depict conflict in Strife?
A) Through labor disputes B) Through comedy C) Through romance D) Through nature
Answer: A) Through labor disputes
Explanation: Worker vs. management, tested in NET. - What is the significance of Mr. Gessler in Quality?
A) Symbol of craftsmanship B) Comic character C) Legal critic D) Romantic hero
Answer: A) Symbol of craftsmanship
Explanation: Dedication to craft, tested in JNUET. - How does Galsworthy use irony in The Silver Box?
A) To critique legal bias B) To depict love C) To explore nature D) To promote comedy
Answer: A) To critique legal bias
Explanation: Class-based justice, tested in SET. - What is the narrative style of The Forsyte Saga?
A) First-person B) Third-person C) Stream of consciousness D) Epistolary
Answer: B) Third-person
Explanation: Objective narrative, tested in NET. - How does Galsworthy depict love in The Apple Tree?
A) As tragic B) As comedic C) As legal D) As materialistic
Answer: A) As tragic
Explanation: Romantic tragedy, tested in JNUET. - What is the role of class in Loyalties?
A) Central conflict B) Comic relief C) Legal critique D) Romantic theme
Answer: A) Central conflict
Explanation: Loyalty issues, tested in NET. - How does Galsworthy use setting in Quality?
A) To depict craft B) To explore love C) To critique law D) To promote comedy
Answer: A) To depict craft
Explanation: West End shop, tested in JNUET. - What is the tone of Justice?
A) Compassionate B) Comedic C) Cynical D) Optimistic
Answer: A) Compassionate
Explanation: Sympathetic to victims, tested in NET. - How does Galsworthy critique society in Fraternity?
A) Through satire B) Through comedy C) Through romance D) Through nature
Answer: A) Through satire
Explanation: Middle-class complacency, tested in JNUET. - What is the role of Soames in The Man of Property?
A) Materialistic antagonist B) Romantic hero C) Legal advocate D) Comic relief
Answer: A) Materialistic antagonist
Explanation: Obsessed with property, tested in NET. - How does Galsworthy use dialogue in Strife?
A) To depict conflict B) To explore love C) To promote comedy D) To critique nature
Answer: A) To depict conflict
Explanation: Labor disputes, tested in SET. - What is the significance of the Forsyte family?
A) Symbol of wealth B) Comic characters C) Legal critics D) Romantic heroes
Answer: A) Symbol of wealth
Explanation: Critiques materialism, tested in NET. - How does Galsworthy depict justice in The Silver Box?
A) As biased B) As fair C) As comedic D) As romantic
Answer: A) As biased
Explanation: Class-based inequality, tested in JNUET. - What is the role of nature in The Apple Tree?
A) To symbolize tragedy B) To depict comedy C) To critique law D) To promote materialism
Answer: A) To symbolize tragedy
Explanation: Mirrors tragic love story, tested in SET. - How does Galsworthy use structure in The Forsyte Saga?
A) To depict generational change B) To explore comedy C) To critique law D) To promote romance
Answer: A) To depict generational change
Explanation: Spans three generations, tested in NET. - What is the significance of the title Quality?
A) To highlight craftsmanship B) To depict love C) To critique society D) To explore nature
Answer: A) To highlight craftsmanship
Explanation: Mr. Gessler’s dedication, tested in JNUET. - How does Galsworthy depict loyalty in Loyalties?
A) As conflicted by class B) As comedic C) As legalistic D) As romantic
Answer: A) As conflicted by class
Explanation: Class-based tensions, tested in SET. - What is the role of the courtroom in Justice?
A) To critique legal system B) To depict romance C) To explore comedy D) To promote materialism
Answer: A) To critique legal system
Explanation: Highlights prisonExplanation: Highlights prison reform, tested in NET. - How does Galsworthy use satire in Fraternity?
A) To critique middle-class complacency B) To depict romantic love C) To explore legal reform D) To promote labor rights
Answer: A) To critique middle-class complacency
Explanation: Satirizes social apathy, tested in JNUET. - What is the significance of the title The Man of Property?
A) Reflects Soames’ materialism B) Depicts legal battles C) Symbolizes romantic love D) Critiques labor disputes
Answer: A) Reflects Soames’ materialism
Explanation: Soames’ obsession with ownership, tested in NET. - How does Galsworthy depict social change in A Modern Comedy?
A) Through post-war shifts B) Through romantic conflicts C) Through legal reforms D) Through comedic elements
Answer: A) Through post-war shifts
Explanation: Reflects societal evolution, tested in SET. - What is the role of the apple tree in The Apple Tree?
A) Symbol of tragic love B) Comic element C) Legal metaphor D) Materialistic symbol
Answer: A) Symbol of tragic love
Explanation: Represents doomed romance, tested in JNUET. - How does Galsworthy use character development in The Forsyte Saga?
A) To show evolving values B) To depict static comedy C) To explore legal issues D) To promote nature
Answer: A) To show evolving values
Explanation: Characters reflect societal change, tested in NET. - What is the significance of Mr. Gessler’s death in Quality?
A) Critiques industrialization B) Depicts romantic tragedy C) Explores legal bias D) Promotes class equality
Answer: A) Critiques industrialization
Explanation: Loss of craftsmanship, tested in JNUET. - How does Galsworthy depict class bias in The Silver Box?
A) Through unequal justice B) Through romantic love C) Through labor disputes D) Through comedic irony
Answer: A) Through unequal justice
Explanation: Contrasts legal outcomes, tested in SET. - What is the role of conflict in Loyalties?
A) To highlight class tensions B) To depict romantic comedy C) To explore legal reform D) To promote materialism
Answer: A) To highlight class tensions
Explanation: Loyalty vs. prejudice, tested in NET. - How does Galsworthy use realism in Justice?
A) To depict prison conditions B) To explore fantasy C) To promote comedy D) To depict romance
Answer: A) To depict prison conditions
Explanation: Grounded critique, tested in JNUET. - What is the significance of Irene’s autonomy in The Forsyte Saga?
A) Symbolizes women’s rights B) Depicts comedic rebellion C) Explores legal battles D) Promotes materialism
Answer: A) Symbolizes women’s rights
Explanation: Reflects feminist themes, tested in NET. - How does Galsworthy use symbolism in The Man of Property?
A) To critique materialism B) To depict comedy C) To explore legal reform D) To promote romance
Answer: A) To critique materialism
Explanation: Property as a symbol of control, tested in JNUET.
Conclusion
John Galsworthy’s works, blending realism and compassion, offer profound insights into class, love, and social injustice. From The Forsyte Saga to Justice, his critique of materialism and advocacy for reform resonate in modern contexts. These 151 MCQs cover his biography, works, quotes, themes, and critical analysis, equipping you for success in UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, and SSC CGL exams.
Next Steps: Revise quotes like “Love has no age” and focus on The Forsyte Saga for JNUET and NET!
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