Old Jolyon Forsyte

The Forsyte Saga

Patriarch of the family, present at the gathering and concerned with family matters.

Book I: The Man of Property

The patriarch of the family, who disapproves of the engagement but eventually supports June; his relationship with Irene begins to develop.

I: “At Home” at Old Jolyon’s

Host of the 'at home' celebrating his granddaughter June's engagement; described as having a desperate honesty and a tendency to allude to his yeoman ancestors.

Old Jolyon Goes to the Opera

Central figure; reflects on aging, loneliness, and his estranged son Jo while attending the opera.

Old Jolyon's Peccadillo

Visits his son's family, feeling lonely and defiant; reflects on his isolation and society's judgment.

Death of Aunt Ann

Stands at the foot of the bed, remembering his mother's death.

June's Treat

Old Jolyon notices June's distress upon her return and suspects Bosinney may be unfaithful. He worries about his granddaughter's future but feels unable to intervene directly.

Soames and Bosinney Correspond

Soames consults him about Bosinney; Old Jolyon refuses to get involved.

Old Jolyon at the Zoo

Dictatorial at a board meeting, then goes to the Zoo to meet his son and grandchildren, brooding over June's unhappiness and Bosinney's rumored affair.

Afternoon at Timothy's

Visits Timothy's to confront the family about the rumors concerning Bosinney and Irene; feels hostility toward James for prying into his affairs.

Dance at Roger's

Reluctantly accompanies June to the dance, worried about her health.

X: Diagnosis of a Forsyte

Writes a letter from Broadstairs expressing concern about June's engagement and asking young Jolyon to speak to Bosinney.

June Pays Some Calls

Prepares for a business trip, troubled by his son's letter and the situation with June and Irene.

Meeting at the Botanical

Returns from Switzerland with June; visits James's office and learns of Soames's lawsuit against Bosinney; reviews his will leaving residue to June.

June's Victory

Initially resistant, Old Jolyon is swayed by June's persistence and his own desire to triumph over James and Soames, ultimately deciding to buy the house and reconcile with his son.

Bosinney's Departure

Informs June of Bosinney's death, negotiates with James about the Robin Hill house, and identifies the body at the mortuary.

Interlude: Indian Summer of a Forsyte

Experiences a profound emotional and spiritual renewal through his friendship with Irene, culminating in his peaceful death.

I

Reflects on the past and his feelings about Irene, enjoys his garden and dog Balthasar, and hosts Irene for dinner.

II

Visits Irene, takes her to Kensington Gardens, offers financial and emotional support, reflects on his own age and past.

Old Jolyon's Bequest

Contemplates his mortality and decides to leave Irene a legacy of fifteen thousand pounds; enjoys her visit and reflects on his life.

IV

Struggles with his age and a desire to see Irene; suffers a fainting fit but is revived by her care.

V

Experiences a rejuvenation of spirit through his companionship with Irene, but is torn between his desire for her presence and the constraints of age and family duty.

No-Longer-Young Jolyon at Home

Deceased; remembered fondly by Jolyon, who contemplates his father's love for Robin Hill and his peaceful death under the oak tree.

Jolyon Prosecutes Trusteeship

Old Jolyon's presence is felt through Jolyon's memories and the study where he once sat, guiding his son's sense of duty.

And Visits the Past

Mentioned bitterly by Soames as the source of Irene's independent income.

Jolly Sits in Judgment

Recalled in memory by Jolly, associated with the house and a gentle influence on Jolly's decision-making.

Richmond Park

Receives cablegram about Jolly's illness; learns of Holly's engagement to Val Dartie; consents to Holly's departure; walks in Richmond Park and meets Irene.

Over the River

Fleetingly remembered by Jolly as 'grandfather coming from somewhere dark' in his dying visions.

A Summer Night

Mentioned in memory; planted the cupressus trees and the old armchair Jolyon sinks into.

I: Old Jolyon Walks

Appears in Jolyon's memory and vision, advising him to face the situation.

Confession

His chair is the site of Jolyon's death; Jolyon recalls sitting on its arm as a young man.