Summary:
Saint’s Progress is a novel by John Galsworthy, published in 1919. Set during World War I, the novel explores the moral and spiritual dilemmas faced by the main character, Canon Hilary Charwell, an Anglican clergyman. Charwell struggles to reconcile his strict religious principles with the changing social and ethical realities of wartime England.
As the war disrupts traditional values, Charwell’s family and friends begin questioning old beliefs, particularly regarding duty, sacrifice, and morality. His daughter, Gratian, represents a younger generation that challenges conventional religious ideals. Meanwhile, Charwell himself is torn between his rigid faith and the need to adapt to a world in crisis.
The novel critiques institutionalized religion’s inability to address real-world suffering and evolving social norms. It presents a deeply psychological and philosophical exploration of faith, duty, and personal progress, symbolizing the broader shift from Victorian values to modern skepticism.
MCQs:
- Who is the main protagonist of Saint’s Progress?
A) Soames Forsyte
B) Canon Hilary Charwell
C) Fleur Mont
D) Irene Forsyte
Answer: B) Canon Hilary Charwell - What historical event serves as the backdrop for Saint’s Progress?
A) The Napoleonic Wars
B) The Industrial Revolution
C) World War I
D) The Victorian Era
Answer: C) World War I - What is the central theme of Saint’s Progress?
A) Adventure and war
B) Religious faith vs. modern change
C) Romance and love triangles
D) Economic struggles of the Forsyte family
Answer: B) Religious faith vs. modern change
Saint’s Progress - What does Canon Hilary Charwell struggle with in the novel?
A) Running a business empire
B) Reconciling his religious beliefs with modern realities
C) Fighting in World War I
D) Escaping from a war-torn country
Answer: B) Reconciling his religious beliefs with modern realities - Who represents the younger generation challenging traditional values in the novel?
A) Soames Forsyte
B) Michael Mont
C) Gratian Charwell
D) Jon Forsyte
Answer: C) Gratian Charwell - What critique does Saint’s Progress make about religion?
A) Religion is outdated and should be abolished
B) Institutionalized religion struggles to adapt to real-world suffering
C) Science and religion cannot coexist
D) Faith is the ultimate solution to war
Answer: B) Institutionalized religion struggles to adapt to real-world suffering - What literary movement does Saint’s Progress align with?
A) Romanticism
B) Modernism
C) Gothic Fiction
D) Realism
Answer: B) Modernism - How does Saint’s Progress depict the impact of World War I on society?
A) It shows the glorification of war
B) It highlights moral and spiritual crises
C) It focuses only on battle strategies
D) It portrays war as having no effect on people’s beliefs
Answer: B) It highlights moral and spiritual crises - What is the significance of the novel’s title, Saint’s Progress?
A) It refers to the journey of a religious missionary
B) It symbolizes the internal struggle of a clergyman trying to evolve
C) It describes a literal pilgrimage
D) It is the name of a religious organization
Answer: B) It symbolizes the internal struggle of a clergyman trying to evolve - What style of writing does Galsworthy use in Saint’s Progress?
A) Gothic and supernatural elements
B) Psychological and philosophical realism
C) Epic poetry format
D) Satirical humor
Answer: B) Psychological and philosophical realism
| Question | Answer |
| Book Name | Saint’s Progress |
| Author | John Galsworthy |
| Year Published | 1919 |
| Book Type | Novel, Social Commentary |
| Main Themes | Religion vs. Modernity, Faith, War’s Impact on Morality, Generational Conflict |
| Setting | England during World War I |
| Main Characters | Canon Hilary Charwell, Gratian Charwell |
| Symbolism | The struggle between old religious values and new societal realities |
| Literary Significance | A critique of traditional religion’s role in a changing world |
| Writing Style | Realistic, Psychological, Reflective |
| Impact | Showcases the moral and spiritual crises brought by war |