Summary:
A Modern Comedy is the second trilogy in The Forsyte Chronicles by John Galsworthy, published between 1924 and 1928. It follows the next generation of the Forsyte family, focusing on Soames Forsyte’s daughter, Fleur Mont, and her struggles in a rapidly changing society.
The trilogy consists of three novels:
- The White Monkey (1924) – Fleur is married to Michael Mont, but she remains restless and unsatisfied, reflecting the emptiness of post-war society.
- The Silver Spoon (1926) – Fleur gets involved in a social scandal, highlighting the clash between old traditions and modern values.
- Swan Song (1928) – Fleur’s obsession with status and material wealth leads to consequences, while Soames faces his declining influence in a changing world.
The trilogy portrays the shift from Victorian values to modernity, exploring themes of love, social change, class struggles, and personal dissatisfaction. The characters struggle to find meaning in a world where wealth and tradition no longer guarantee happiness.
MCQs:
- A Modern Comedy is a sequel to which book series?
A) The Lord of the Rings
B) The Forsyte Saga
C) Pride and Prejudice
D) War and Peace
Answer: B) The Forsyte Saga - Who is the main character in A Modern Comedy?
A) Soames Forsyte
B) Jon Forsyte
C) Fleur Mont
D) Irene Forsyte
Answer: C) Fleur Mont - What is the central theme of A Modern Comedy?
A) Adventure and war
B) The struggle between tradition and modernity
C) Scientific discoveries
D) Religious conflicts
Answer: B) The struggle between tradition and modernity
A Modern Comedy - How many novels are included in A Modern Comedy?
A) Two
B) Three
C) Four
D) Five
Answer: B) Three - What does Fleur Mont struggle with in The White Monkey?
A) Financial problems
B) Boredom and dissatisfaction in her marriage
C) A war between Forsyte family members
D) A secret business empire
Answer: B) Boredom and dissatisfaction in her marriage - What is the main conflict in The Silver Spoon?
A) Fleur’s involvement in a social scandal
B) A battle over the Forsyte estate
C) A court case against Soames Forsyte
D) A war between two families
Answer: A) Fleur’s involvement in a social scandal - What does Swan Song focus on?
A) Soames Forsyte’s declining influence and Fleur’s social ambitions
B) The rise of the Forsyte family’s power
C) Michael Mont’s business success
D) Irene Forsyte’s secret past
Answer: A) Soames Forsyte’s declining influence and Fleur’s social ambitions - What historical event influences the setting of A Modern Comedy?
A) World War I
B) The Napoleonic Wars
C) The Victorian Era
D) The American Civil War
Answer: A) World War I - What does the title A Modern Comedy suggest?
A) It is a humorous story about the Forsytes
B) It reflects the irony of modern society’s struggles
C) It is a stage play performed by the Forsytes
D) It focuses on medieval literature
Answer: B) It reflects the irony of modern society’s struggles - What is Soames Forsyte’s main struggle in A Modern Comedy?
A) Losing control over his family and influence
B) Fighting a legal case
C) Traveling the world for business
D) Reconnecting with Irene Forsyte
Answer: A) Losing control over his family and influence
| Question | Answer |
| Book Name | A Modern Comedy |
| Author | John Galsworthy |
| Year Published | 1924–1928 |
| Book Type | Trilogy, Social Commentary |
| Part of | The Forsyte Chronicles (Second Trilogy) |
| Main Themes | Social Change, Marriage, Modernity vs. Tradition, Wealth and Status |
| Setting | Post-World War I England |
| Main Characters | Fleur Mont, Michael Mont, Soames Forsyte, Jon Forsyte |
| Symbolism | Material wealth vs. personal happiness |
| Literary Significance | Highlights the decline of Victorian values in a modern world |
| Writing Style | Realistic, Reflective, Psychological |
| Impact | Shows the struggles of the younger Forsyte generation adapting to change |