'Country House' Summary

The Country House follows the Pendyce family, a prominent landed gentry household, as they grapple with the impending threat of a divorce, an event that would shatter their carefully constructed facade of societal respectability and family honor. The novel is set against the backdrop of late 19th century England, a time of significant social change, and examines the constraints and pressures faced by individuals bound by the rigid social mores of their class. The story unfolds through the internal conflicts and personal struggles of the characters, each grappling with the weight of social expectations and the fear of scandal. Through their individual journeys, Galsworthy illuminates the consequences of adherence to a rigid social order, highlighting the emotional and social consequences of defying established norms. The novel ultimately underscores the complexities of human relationships, the delicate balance of family ties, and the constant struggle for individual expression within the confines of society.