
Set against the genteel backdrop of a country house in early December, this play opens with the bustling hall of the Cheshire family, where baronet Sir William presides over a household of aristocrats, eager children, and a cadre of servants. The arrival of guests, the exchange of roses, and the hum of everyday chores reveal a world steeped in tradition, yet subtly strained by the expectations placed on each member.
Through witty dialogue and keen observation, the drama introduces a cast of vivid personalities: the ambitious elder son, the restless younger siblings, the devoted but weary staff, and a young clergyman poised to become part of the family. Their interactions hint at underlying rivalries, romantic entanglements, and the pressures of duty that will shape the days to come, offering listeners a richly textured portrait of Edwardian society poised on the brink of change.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (242K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-09-26
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1867–1933
Best known for creating the Forsyte family, this English novelist and playwright wrote sharply about wealth, social ambition, and the quiet damage people do to one another. His work combines elegant storytelling with a strong sense of fairness and sympathy.
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