Further Critical Evaluation of the Work
John Galsworthy's 1909 play STRIFE significantly bolstered his standing as a premier British playwright. Although one of his initial forays into drama, it remains, according to many critics, his most accomplished work. Despite the evolution of economic and social issues over time, STRIFE continues to resonate due to its focus on universal themes of human will and the complex interplay of power and ambition.
The Central Conflict
While the surface conflict in STRIFE pits the Directors of the Trenartha Tin Plate Works against their striking workers, it soon becomes apparent that the real struggle is between two towering figures: John Anthony, the Directors' Chairman, and David Roberts, the strikers' leader. This shift in focus transforms the play into an exploration of leadership and the precarious boundary between idealism and fanaticism. Each character is unwavering in his stance, driven by a vision that demands either complete triumph or total defeat, believing that the larger fate of society hinges on this singular dispute.
Character Motivations
Despite their broader convictions, both Anthony and Roberts harbor personal grievances shaping their relentless positions. Anthony, burdened by age and frailty, views the company as an extension of himself, allowing no dissent against his authority. Conversely, Roberts harbors a grudge over a lucrative invention he feels was unjustly appropriated, fueling his animosity toward the company. This blend of ideological fervor and personal vendetta enriches their characters, adding complexity and a tragic layer to their confrontation.
The Role of Human Rationality
Galsworthy, despite acknowledging human flaws, fundamentally believed in humanity's capacity for rationality and self-determination. The play illustrates how Anthony and Roberts, by stubbornly adhering to their extreme positions, overlook the human costs of their battle. However, it is the human element—a tragic event, the death of Roberts' wife—that finally stirs the moderates to intervene, sidelining the fanatical leaders to prevent disaster for both company and workers.
The Triumph of Moderation
Through STRIFE, Galsworthy argues that measured, sensible self-interest will eventually prevail over extremism, though the journey is fraught with difficulty and delay. The play underscores that while moderation may ultimately triumph, the path to it is laden with suffering, and often, the innocent bear the brunt of the conflict before sense prevails.
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