The Japanese Quince Group

Question:

moosaa
moosaa
Student
Community / Jr. College

What is the author's intention in "The Japanese Quince"?

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Posted by moosaa on Sunday February 22, 2009 at 3:34 AM and tagged with author intention, intention, purpose, the japanese quince, theme.

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  1. ms-mcgregor Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    In "The Japanese Quince", John Galsworthy is pointing out the ideal of a same, well-ordered, and familiar life has alienated men from both the enjoyment and the beauty of the natural world. Both Mr. Nilson and Mr. Tandram are well-off English businessmen who have let their jobs take over their lives. While both look healthy and happy, Nilson suffers from "an aching feeling just below his fifth rib" and Tandram is totally alienated from his fellow man. He has been living next to Nilson for five years, yet the two have never even introduced themselves to each other. Their stilted conversation revolves around what kind of tree the quince is, instead of how beautiful it has become. They do not really even hear the bird singing in the background and when they leave, Galsworthy notes ,"the blackbird resumes its singing, "that queer sensation, that choky feeling in his throat" returns. This comment underscores both men's separation from nature and natural beauty.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/japanese-quince

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    Posted by ms-mcgregor on Sunday February 22, 2009 at 1:47 PM