The Japanese Quince Questions and Answers
The Japanese Quince
Mr. Nilson's inner conflict and its impact on the plot and theme of "The Japanese Quince."
Mr. Nilson's inner conflict revolves around his suppressed emotions and lack of self-awareness. This conflict impacts the plot by driving his interactions with Mr. Tandram and the quince tree,...
The Japanese Quince
In "The Japanese Quince," what does the tree symbolize?
In "The Japanese Quince," the tree symbolizes nature, beauty, and tranquility, which Mr. Nilson and Mr. Tandram are drawn to but fail to appreciate. Both men, entrenched in their business routines,...
The Japanese Quince
What are the opposed forces in "The Japanese Quince" and how does it relate to the protagonist and antagonist?
The story opens with Mr. Nilson, a middle-aged Swede, in his house outside of town (not named). He is standing at the open window thinking about how he has been living in the same place for years and...
The Japanese Quince
Why does Nilson feel an "emptiness" in his chest and a "peculiar sweetish sensation" in the morning?
On its surface, The Japanese Quince is the short story of a man who is briefly unsettled in his personal life. Mr. Nilson's life is one of routine and habit, and he has little connection with...
The Japanese Quince
How do nature descriptions in "The Japanese Quince" develop a theme?
The short story "The Japanese Quince" by John Galsworthy is a subtle tale that begins with a man named Mr. Nilson opening the windows of his dressing room to contemplate the sensations of springtime....
The Japanese Quince
The author's intention and attitude in "The Japanese Quince"
The author's intention in "The Japanese Quince" is to highlight the monotony and superficiality of upper-class life. His attitude is subtly critical, using the characters' reactions to nature to...
The Japanese Quince
How does "The Japanese Quince" use a slight plot to illuminate life?
I remember reading this short story for the first time and thinking "Is that it?" Certainly simplicity and elegance are its defining characteristics. Yet, if we look at the basic plot, which...
The Japanese Quince
What is the setting of "The Japanese Quince"?
"The Japanese Quince" is a short story by John Galsworthy. The story is about two men who live near each other in London and have nearly identical lives, but they don't know each other. They only...
The Japanese Quince
What elements create tension in "The Japanese Quince"?
Author John Galsworthy uses the elements of character and culture to contribute to the rising tension in his short story "The Japanese Quince." From his description of Mr. Nilson, we understand that...
The Japanese Quince
Who is the protagonist in "The Japanese Quince"?
Mr. Nilson is the protagonist. He is a relatively rich man who is out of touch with the world. He doesn't even know his next door neighbor. Ironically, the neighbor, Mr. Tandram, is almost exactly...
The Japanese Quince
Definition of "augmented" in "The Japanese Quince"
In "The Japanese Quince," the term "augmented" means increased or made greater. It is used to describe how the beauty and allure of the Japanese quince tree are enhanced, adding to the overall...
The Japanese Quince
Can you summarize the short story "The Japanese Quince"?
Beauty and alienation are underlying themes that can be found beneath the surface of John Galsworthy's short story, "The Japanese Quince." The story is seemingly a simple one: One...
The Japanese Quince
Why is Mr. Nilson surprised to find he's not alone in the garden?
There's an old cliche: "everyone's the hero of their own tale." I'd suggest this same turn of phrase can help to elucidate some of the themes underpinning "The Japanese Quince," by John Galsworthy....
The Japanese Quince
Why did Mr. Nilson decide to visit the garden before breakfast?
Mr. Nilson suffers from an anxiety reaction because of his inability to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
The Japanese Quince
What is Mr. Nilson's social status in "The Japanese Quince"?
There are a number of indications in the story that Mr. Nilson enjoys a high social status. For one thing, he's "well-known in the City." This is a reference to the City of London, the famous...