The Forsyte Saga: Jon Forsyte's Early Life

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

At what age did 'Da' hold the protagonist down on his back, leading to a disillusionment for him?

Five years old

Ten years old

Nearly seven years old (correct)

Twelve years old

What was the color of 'Da's' hair plaits?

Jet black

Golden brown

Couleur de feuille morte (correct)

Brown velvet

Who did little Jon run to after finding Clover's calf dead?

'Da'

Garratt

His father

His mother (correct)

What was the consequence of little Jon sitting on a bumble bee?

A poignant experience Signup and view all the answers

Who brought books to little Jon during his illness?

Auntie June Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of the disease little Jon contracted in the story?

A disease with little spots Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the year 1869 in the story?

The year Auntie June was born Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of 'Da' holding little Jon down on his back?

Little Jon was terrified Signup and view all the answers

Why did little Jon seek his father after 'Da' held him down on his back?

To complain about 'Da' Signup and view all the answers

What was the effect of 'Da's' actions on the protagonist?

It led to a deep-seated fear Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the first volume in the Forsyte Saga?

The Man of Property Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the character who is considering how to go downstairs in the given passage?

Jon Signup and view all the answers

What is the year mentioned in the passage?

1909 Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the publisher dedicated to in the passage?

Charles Scribner Signup and view all the answers

What is the title of the volume that includes the passage?

The Forsyte Saga—Volume III Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the place where the passage takes place?

Robin Hill Signup and view all the answers

What is the activity little Jon is considering in the passage?

Going downstairs Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason why little Jon spells his name as Jon?

Because his father explained the necessity Signup and view all the answers

What is the occupation of little Jon's father?

A painter of pictures Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the pony that little Jon rides on in Richmond Park?

Mouse Signup and view all the answers

What is the age of little Jon's mother?

38 Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the person who takes care of little Jon's daily needs?

Da Signup and view all the answers

What is the language that little Jon learns from Mademoiselle?

French Signup and view all the answers

What is the event that occurred in 1901, when little Jon was born?

The scarlet fever outbreak Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of little Jon's mother that is mentioned in the passage?

She smells delicious Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between little Jon and Auntie June?

She is his half-sister Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason why little Jon is not spoiled?

Because his nurse, Da, has a Spartan touch Signup and view all the answers

What inspired the child's imagination to create his own adventures?

The books his father brought him, such as Ivanhoe and Bevis Signup and view all the answers

What is the theory that little Jon shares regarding his education?

Children should not be forced to learn Signup and view all the answers

What was the child's favorite knight from the book about King Arthur?

Sir Lamorac de Galis Signup and view all the answers

What did the child create using his towel stand, tea tray, and pillows?

A raft to sail across the carpet Signup and view all the answers

What did the child save from his French plums?

The juice to provision his raft Signup and view all the answers

What was the child's mode of transportation to reach the North Pole?

A birch-bark canoe Signup and view all the answers

Who did the child encounter on his way to the North Pole?

A terrible polar bear fashioned from the bolster Signup and view all the answers

What did the child use to defend Front de Boeuf's castle?

A bamboo stick and a drinking tumbler Signup and view all the answers

What was the child's favorite activity in the old oak tree?

Swinging on the halyards and laughing Signup and view all the answers

What was the child's daily routine after completing his lessons?

He would go to the kitchen for a snack Signup and view all the answers

What did the child's father say about him?

He's terrible Signup and view all the answers

What was Little Jon's occupation during his parents' absence?

Cooking and hunting in the coppice and fields Signup and view all the answers

What is Little Jon's preferred type of jam?

Strawberry and gooseberry Signup and view all the answers

What did Little Jon paint himself with?

Watercolours from his father's water-colour box Signup and view all the answers

What is Little Jon doing while waiting for his parents' arrival?

Fighting with daisies and watching a beetle Signup and view all the answers

What did Auntie June forbid Little Jon from doing?

Going into the 'grown-up's' room Signup and view all the answers

What did Little Jon take from his mother's wardrobe?

A long sniff Signup and view all the answers

What does Little Jon do when he hears the car arriving?

He jumps up and down in excitement Signup and view all the answers

What did Little Jon see when he thought of his father?

A short grey beard and deep eyes Signup and view all the answers

What does Little Jon's father say to him when they meet?

Bless us! Well, old man, you are brown! Signup and view all the answers

What did Little Jon try to bring luck with?

A whisper in the bathroom Signup and view all the answers

What does Bella check on Little Jon before sending him to wait?

If he is clean and tidy Signup and view all the answers

What does Little Jon see from the open door of the hall?

The brig sailing across the lawn Signup and view all the answers

Who left Little Jon's home with Auntie June?

The 'grown-up' who was making a face Signup and view all the answers

What was Little Jon reading about?

A story about Mother Lee and a wrecking bonfire Signup and view all the answers

What does Little Jon try to catch?

The dust motes in the bluish sunlight Signup and view all the answers

What does Little Jon use to fight with?

Daisies Signup and view all the answers

What did Little Jon do to the two 'grown-ups'?

He took their scalps Signup and view all the answers

What was Little Jon feeling during the last two days?

Restlessness and the want of something soft Signup and view all the answers

What does Little Jon hear while lying on his back?

The sound of the concertina Signup and view all the answers

What does Little Jon's mother wear?

A blue dress and a blue motor scarf Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason for Auntie June taking Little Jon to church?

To see how it would affect him Signup and view all the answers

What did Little Jon finish reading after feeling unwell at church?

The Boys of Beechwood Signup and view all the answers

Why did Little Jon's mother smile when he asked why they didn't go to church?

Because they went to church when they were little Signup and view all the answers

What did Little Jon associate with beauty?

The sky, stars, moonlit nights, birds, flowers, and trees Signup and view all the answers

What did Little Jon's mother compare to the waves with their foam flying back?

The beauty of the sea Signup and view all the answers

What did Little Jon suddenly want to show his mother?

A thing or two Signup and view all the answers

Why did Little Jon want to stay with his mother?

Because he loved her Signup and view all the answers

What did Little Jon say he wanted to do instead of going to bed?

Stay up and talk to his mother Signup and view all the answers

What did Little Jon call his mother?

Mum Signup and view all the answers

What did Little Jon do after feeling overwhelmed with emotion?

He stood on his head Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason why Soames did not want his wife, Annette, to go to France during the War?

Because he was afraid for her safety Signup and view all the answers

What was the name given to Soames' daughter?

Fleur Signup and view all the answers

How old was Soames' wife, Annette, during the War?

34 years old Signup and view all the answers

Why did Soames send his daughter, Fleur, to a seminary?

Because he wanted to keep her away from her mother's war mood Signup and view all the answers

What was Soames' major concern about his daughter, Fleur?

That she was too wilful and restless Signup and view all the answers

What was Soames' view on women's equality?

He secretly believed that women were not equal to men Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of Soames' wife, Annette, not going to France during the War?

She never was the same woman again Signup and view all the answers

What did Soames think about his age?

He felt that he was getting on but didn't feel it Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of Soames' second marriage?

It was a comfortable and cool marriage Signup and view all the answers

What was Soames' occupation?

Not mentioned in the passage Signup and view all the answers

What was Jon's chosen dinner for his birthday?

Sweetbread, mushrooms, macaroons, and ginger beer Signup and view all the answers

What did Jon's nurse, 'Da', do after his birthday?

She left to get married to a man Signup and view all the answers

What did Jon receive as birthday presents that influenced his games?

Two large boxes of soldiers and some artillery, together with The Young Buglers Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the book that Jon's father brought home that changed Jon's behavior?

Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer Signup and view all the answers

What did Jon use to create a river in the absence of one on the premises?

The pond, which had water lilies and dragonflies Signup and view all the answers

What did Jon build on the shore of the pond?

A wigwam about four feet square Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jon's parents become anxious about his behavior?

Because he was spending too much time indoors Signup and view all the answers

What did Jon's father call Tilly and Mack?

Music-hall turns Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of Jon's parents ascertaining the pond's depth?

They found it was shallow and safe for Jon to play in Signup and view all the answers

What was special about Jon's birthday, according to the passage?

It was always on the twelfth of May Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason why little Jon's mother wore a French-grey dress?

Because it was a special evening Signup and view all the answers

What was little Jon's attempt to pray like?

A made-up prayer with his mother's name Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason why little Jon's mother promised not to go while he said his prayers?

Because she wanted to stay with him longer Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the moon in the passage?

It was a beauty that little Jon's mother appreciated Signup and view all the answers

What was little Jon's feeling towards the moon?

Curiosity and wonder Signup and view all the answers

What was the promise made by little Jon's mother to him?

To come and give him a kiss when she went to bed Signup and view all the answers

What was the activity little Jon's mother was going to do after putting him to bed?

Play with his father Signup and view all the answers

What was the reason why little Jon got out of bed?

He wanted to check if his mother was still downstairs Signup and view all the answers

What was the name that little Jon gave to his mother?

Guinevere Signup and view all the answers

What was the activity that little Jon's mother said was beautiful?

Moonlit nights Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Jon's mother's beauty in the story?

It was a new discovery for Jon that had a kind of particular importance. Signup and view all the answers

What was the conversation between Jon and his father about?

Things in general, avoiding Jon's private life. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jon's father say about the little people in Glensofantrim?

They were not real, but he thought Jon might believe in them. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jon's father say about Pan?

Pan was the Goaty God who skipped about in wild and beautiful places. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jon's father say about Venus Anadyomene?

She was a mythical creature that rose from the foam. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jon stop talking about Venus Anadyomene?

He realized it was a sensitive topic. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jon's father say when Jon asked to go and see his mother?

All right, old man, you go and love her. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Jon rush to his mother's bedroom?

He wanted to see what she had brought home. Signup and view all the answers

What did Jon do while watching his mother unpack?

He mounted the window-seat and tucked his legs up under him. Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of Jon's mother's unpacking?

She was taking out things that looked suspicious and mysterious. Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of the lovely smell in the open window?

The moon Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the cockchafer buzzing by?

It distracts little Jon from the music Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of little Jon's macaroon?

To enhance his musical experience Signup and view all the answers

What is the content of little Jon's dream?

Drinking milk from a pan that is the moon Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Mother Lee in little Jon's dream?

She is a mysterious figure stirring the wheel Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the moonlight on little Jon?

It frightens him and makes him shriek Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the mother's hair in the story?

It symbolizes her beauty and youth Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for little Jon's fear in the passage?

He is frightened by the moonlight Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of little Jon's comment about his mother's hair?

It shows his appreciation for her beauty Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the passage?

Comforting and reassuring Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern of Soames Forsyte in the passage?

The Future and his financial security Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the character of Soames Forsyte in the passage?

He is cautious and dogged Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about the year 1920 in the passage?

It is the year the War ended Signup and view all the answers

What is the attitude of Soames Forsyte towards the War?

He is bitter and resentful about it Signup and view all the answers

What is implied about the character of little Jon in the passage?

He is imaginative and playful Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the passage about little Jon?

Lighthearted and playful Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'spears and chariots' in the passage?

They are a representation of little Jon's imagination and creativity Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between little Jon and his mother?

They are close and affectionate Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'battle' in the passage?

It is a representation of little Jon's imagination and creativity Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the passage about Soames Forsyte?

Reflective and introspective Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Jon Forsyte's Early Life

• Jon Forsyte was born in 1901, and by the age of nearly 7, he had a strong sense of individualism and freedom.

Parents and Family

• Jon's father, Jolyon, was an amiable man of 52, who had already lost an only son, and his mother, Irene, was 38 years old. • Jon's parents spoiled him, and his father adored his mother, making Jon feel like he played second fiddle to her in his father's heart. • He had a half-sister, "Auntie" June, who was much older and seemed more like a grown-up.

Upbringing and Education

• Jon's parents believed in not forcing him to learn, and his education was informal, with a focus on enjoyment. • He had a Mademoiselle who came to teach him French, history, geography, and sums for two hours every morning. • His mother gave him piano lessons, and he also learned to draw with his father.

Experiences and Influences

• At the age of nearly 7, Jon experienced his first dip into the dark abysses of existence when he was held down by his nurse, "Da", which made him realize the lack of imagination in humans. • He was influenced by the books his "Auntie" June brought him, which contained stories of pirates, battles, and adventures, and he began to create his own imaginative games. • He read Ivanhoe, Bevis, and a book about King Arthur, and became fascinated with the stories of knights and their names.

Personality and Traits

• Jon was a highly imaginative and sanguinary child, with a strong sense of adventure and love for the open air. • He was a loving and lovable child, who loved everyone, but also had a strong sense of individualism and freedom.

Significant Events

• At the age of 8, Jon's nurse, "Da", left him, which was a significant event in his life. • He was given a set of soldiers and artillery, and a book called The Young Buglers, which led to a new phase of imaginative games. • His father brought him Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, which inspired him to go out of doors and search for a river.

Summer of 1909

• Jon's parents went away to Ireland, and he was left with "Auntie" June, who had a "grown-up" in the house. • He spent his days playing in the pond, building a wigwam, and hunting in the coppice and fields. • His "Auntie" June brought two "grown-ups", "Auntie" Holly and "Uncle" Val, to visit him, and he played a trick on them.### Little Jon's Family

Little Jon's family consists of himself, his mother, and his father.
His father has a short grey beard, deep eyes, and a funny smile.
His mother is beautiful, with creamy cheeks, silver threads in her dark goldy hair, and a soft throat.

Little Jon's Activities

Little Jon spends time going up and down the stairs, exploring the house, and playing in the garden.
He likes to slide down the banisters and whisper "Ho, ho, ho! Dog my cats" to bring luck.
He plays with a beetle in the grass and fights with daisies, naming them after knights.

Little Jon's Relationships

Little Jon loves his mother deeply and is fascinated by her beauty.
He is close to his father and has conversations with him about various topics.
He has a special bond with Bella, the housekeeper, who is kind to him.

Little Jon's Imagination

Little Jon has a vivid imagination, evident in his games and fantasies.
He imagines fairies, the Goaty God Pan, and other mythical creatures.
He creates his own stories and scenarios, often blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

Little Jon's Sleep and Dreams

Little Jon has trouble sleeping and is prone to nightmares.
He has a recurring dream about drinking milk from a pan that is the moon.
His mother comforts him when he wakes up from bad dreams.

Little Jon's Personality

Little Jon is a curious and imaginative child.
He is sensitive and emotional, often feeling overwhelmed by his thoughts and feelings.
He is affectionate and loving, especially towards his mother.### Little Jon's Story
Little Jon is a young boy who is scared of the dark and has a vivid imagination
He gets out of bed to look at the clock and hears his mother playing music, which makes him feel better
He eats a macaroon, which makes the music sound even more beautiful to him
He is afraid of something, but his mother comforts him and he feels better
He notices that his mother looks different, with her hair down and a few silver threads
He likes her hair like this and asks to sleep in her bed

Soames Forsyte's Story

Soames Forsyte is a wealthy man who emerges from the Knightsbridge Hotel in 1920
He is going to visit a picture gallery and is thinking about the future
He walks, rather than taking a cab, because he dislikes the drivers
He has gone through a lot of anxiety during the War and is now more cautious and hardened
He has a fortune of a quarter of a million and is diversified, but is worried about taxation and levies
He is looking forward to meeting his daughter, Fleur, at the gallery at 4 o'clock
He thinks about his wife, Annette, who was not allowed to go to France to nurse during the War
He thinks about his daughter, Fleur, who is restless and wilful, and knows her power over her father
He is getting older and reflects on his past, including his first wife, Irene, and his cousin, Jolyon
He thinks about his current life and how he will make sure Fleur is rich enough to purchase and extinguish the name of the man she marries.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about Jon Forsyte's childhood, his parents, and his family dynamics in the early 20th century. Explore his sense of individualism and freedom from a young age.