Summary:
“The White Monkey” is the fourth novel in The Forsyte Chronicles by John Galsworthy and the first book in the second trilogy, A Modern Comedy. It shifts focus to a new generation of Forsytes, particularly Soames Forsyte’s daughter, Fleur Mont, and her husband, Michael Mont.
Set in post-World War I England, the novel explores the growing tensions between tradition and modernity. Fleur, restless in her marriage to the kind but dull Michael, longs for excitement. Meanwhile, Soames, now older, struggles to adapt to a world that is rapidly changing. The novel also touches on political and social issues, including the effects of war, economic uncertainty, and changing gender roles.
The title The White Monkey symbolizes the emptiness and dissatisfaction of the post-war generation. The novel paints a picture of a society in transition, where old values are being challenged, and personal happiness often comes at a cost.
MCQs:
- What is The White Monkey primarily about?
A) The court case over Forsyte properties
B) The decline of traditional Forsyte values in a modern world
C) A romantic rivalry between two Forsyte brothers
D) The financial ruin of the Forsyte family
Answer: B) The decline of traditional Forsyte values in a modern world - Who is the protagonist of The White Monkey?
A) Soames Forsyte
B) Fleur Mont
C) Young Jolyon Forsyte
D) Annette Forsyte
Answer: B) Fleur Mont - Who is Fleur married to in The White Monkey?
A) Jon Forsyte
B) Michael Mont
C) Philip Bosinney
D) Wilfrid Desert
Answer: B) Michael Mont
The White Monkey - What is Fleur’s main internal struggle in the novel?
A) Her loyalty to her father
B) Her dissatisfaction in her marriage
C) Her rivalry with Irene Forsyte
D) Her financial problems
Answer: B) Her dissatisfaction in her marriage - What does the title The White Monkey symbolize?
A) The prosperity of the Forsyte family
B) The decay of old traditions
C) The aimless restlessness of modern society
D) The secret love affair of Fleur
Answer: C) The aimless restlessness of modern society - How does Soames Forsyte feel about the changes in society?
A) He embraces them fully
B) He resists them and struggles to adapt
C) He remains indifferent
D) He leads the change himself
Answer: B) He resists them and struggles to adapt - Which historical event influences the setting of The White Monkey?
A) The Napoleonic Wars
B) World War I
C) The American Civil War
D) The Victorian Era
Answer: B) World War I - What role does Michael Mont play in the novel?
A) He is Fleur’s former lover
B) He represents the modern, idealistic businessman
C) He is a villain trying to destroy the Forsytes
D) He works against Soames in court
Answer: B) He represents the modern, idealistic businessman - Who is Wilfrid Desert in the novel?
A) Fleur’s former lover
B) A rival businessman of Soames
C) The heir to the Forsyte estate
D) An American investor
Answer: A) Fleur’s former lover - What does Fleur ultimately desire throughout the novel?
A) Stability in her marriage
B) Love and excitement outside of her marriage
C) A higher social position
D) To reconnect with Jon Forsyte
Answer: B) Love and excitement outside of her marriage
| Question | Answer |
| Book Name | The White Monkey |
| Author | John Galsworthy |
| Year Published | 1924 |
| Book Type | Novel, Social Commentary |
| Part of | A Modern Comedy (First book) |
| Main Themes | Social Change, Marriage, Dissatisfaction, Modernity vs. Tradition |
| Setting | Post-World War I England |
| Main Characters | Fleur Mont, Michael Mont, Soames Forsyte, Wilfrid Desert |
| Symbolism | The white monkey represents emptiness and dissatisfaction |
| Literary Significance | Marks a shift in The Forsyte Chronicles from Victorian values to modernist themes |
| Writing Style | Realistic, Psychological, Reflective |
| Impact | Highlights the struggles of the younger Forsyte generation in a rapidly changing world |