An examination of the plays of John Galsworthy and of his reputation as an index of changes in life and thought in the twentieth century

Abstract

This thesis is an examination of Galsworthy's plays, followed by an assessment of the fluctuations in his reputation in relation to life and thought in the century. Part I has two sections. Section (a) concerns the theatre in the early 1900's, with evidence drawn from histories, contemporary dramatic criticism and the drama. Five plays of the period are examined in some detail. Section (b) opens with an examination of Galsworthy's letters, lectures and prefaces particularly as they reveal dramatic theory. There follows a study of the plays concentrating first on theme and then on characterisation. Choosing two plays, I have next attempted a criticism of technique as though they were actually taking place on the stage. An examination of a piece of dialogue, together with remarks on setting, stage directions, humour and the shorter plays, concludes this section. The object of Part II is to outline the revolutions in life and thought during the century, and to set against them fluctuations in Galsworthy's reputation which (by their marked parallels) provide an index to the extent of the changes. The first section traces these changes, particularly in the social, intellectual and aesthetic fields. Included in the latter is an examination of some experimental plays produced between 1920 and the present day. The Second section deals with Galsworthy's reputation, especially as reflected in dramatic criticism, and reveals parallels between its course and the impact of new ideas, particularly between 1920 and 1950. There follows some account of the frequency with which his plays have been performed in London, the provinces and in B. B. 0. Sound and Television programmes. This section concludes with some personal observations arising from two play readings. The conclusion in drawing together the two parts attempts to see why Galsworthy's plays, once so highly reputed, have suffered such extremes of fortune.