INTRODUCTION

In the early 20th century, rapid industrialization and technological advancements led to the
rise of mass production and the development of large corporations. This era witnessed a
surge in consumerism, where the emphasis shifted from craftsmanship and quality to
meeting the demands of a growing consumer market. John Galsworthy, an English novelist
and playwright, used his literary works to evaluate and critique the detrimental effects of
crass consumerism and the compromise of "quality" in the pursuit of profits. In this essay, we
will explore Galsworthy's life and works, analyse his view of the working classes in "The
Silver Box," and examine the reasons for the fall of the Gessler brothers in his short story
"Quality."

GALSWORTHY'S LIFE AND WORKS

John Galsworthy was an English novelist and playwright who lived from 1867 to 1933. He
was known for his social commentary and critique of the upper-middle-class society of his
time. His works often focused on themes such as the impact of wealth and power on
individuals, the moral responsibility of the privileged class, and the effects of industrialization
and consumerism on society. Galsworthy's life and works reflect his concern with the issues
of his time, including the rise of crass consumerism and the development of large
corporations where quality is compromised.
Born into a wealthy family, Galsworthy had firsthand experience of the privileges and
responsibilities associated with wealth. He attended Harrow School and later studied law at
Oxford University. Although he qualified as a barrister, Galsworthy's true passion lay in
literature, and he pursued a career as a writer. His early works, such as "From the Four
Winds" (1897) and "The Island Pharisees" (1904), explored the lives of the upper class and
examined their values and social mores.

Some of his notable works include:

The Forsyte Saga (1906-1921): This series of novels, comprising three trilogies, explores the
lives of the Forsyte family, an upper-middle-class family in Victorian and Edwardian England.
Through this epic saga, Galsworthy delves into the complexities of social class, marriage,
and family dynamics. The saga also examines the impact of consumerism and materialism
on the Forsyte family, showcasing the consequences of an obsession with possessions and
wealth.

The Man of Property (1906): The first novel in "The Forsyte Saga," it introduces the
character Soames Forsyte, whose relentless pursuit of material possessions symbolises the
crass consumerism prevalent in the early 20th century. Soames represents the rising class
of nouveau riche, driven by the desire to accumulate wealth and social status.

The Silver Box (1906): A three-act play that addresses issues of class and justice, depicting
the contrasting treatment of a wealthy man's son and a working-class man in the criminal
justice system. The play highlights the bias and inequality within the legal system, where the
poor and working-class individuals often face harsher consequences for their actions
compared to the wealthy.

Strife (1909): A play that explores the tensions between management and labour in a factory
strike. Galsworthy focuses on the struggles of the working class against oppressive working
conditions and the pursuit of profits by corporations. The play reflects his concern for the
rights and welfare of workers.

Justice (1910): Another play that emphasises the flaws in the British legal system and
highlights the disparity in how justice is served to the rich and the poor. Like "The Silver
Box," this play reveals Galsworthy's critique of the unequal treatment of different social
classes by the justice system.

Quality (1912): A short story that reflects on the decline of craftsmanship and the rise of
mass production, symbolised through the downfall of the Gessler brothers, who were skilled
shoemakers. The story explores how the pursuit of profit and crass consumerism can
compromise the quality of goods and the traditional artisanal skills of the working class.

Throughout his works, Galsworthy demonstrated a keen interest in examining societal

issues, including the impact of consumerism, the struggles of the working class, and the
flaws in the legal and justice systems. He sought to shed light on the injustices and
inequalities present in British society during the early 20th century.

GALSWORTHY'S VIEW OF WORKING CLASSES IN THE SILVER BOX

In "The Silver Box," Galsworthy presents a critical portrayal of the British justice system and
how it treats individuals from different social classes. The play revolves around the central
event of a young working-class man, John Barthwick, who steals a silver cigarette box from
the house of a wealthy man, Charles Windermere. The theme of social inequality is evident
throughout the play, as Galsworthy contrasts the treatment of John Barthwick with that of
Charles Windermere's son, whom he finds with the stolen silver box.
John Barthwick, the working-class man, is depicted as desperate and motivated by poverty
to commit the theft. His actions are a result of his struggles and the lack of opportunities
available to him due to his social status. Galsworthy portrays him with sympathy, suggesting
that society is partly responsible for pushing individuals like him into desperate acts. John's
theft is a manifestation of the desperation and deprivation faced by many members of the
working class during this era.
On the other hand, Charles Windermere's son is depicted as a young, privileged man whose
actions are attributed to youthful mischief. Despite being caught with the stolen silver box, he
is treated leniently by the police and is ultimately let off with a warning. This contrast
highlights the inherent bias in the justice system, which favours the wealthy and powerful
while punishing the poor more severely. The play exposes the double standards in the
treatment of criminal offences based on one's social standing, emphasising the unjust
treatment of the working class in comparison to the privileged elite.
Galsworthy's portrayal of the working class in "The Silver Box" underscores his concern for
social justice and his criticism of the unequal treatment meted out by the legal system based
on one's social standing. He uses the play to highlight the stark disparity between the way
the law deals with crimes committed by the working class and those committed by the upper
class, showcasing the prejudice and favouritism that exist within the system.

"The Silver Box" highlights the working class's lack of agency and the ways in which they are
at the mercy of a legal system that often favors the wealthy. Galsworthy portrays the Marlow
family as sympathetic characters who are unjustly treated by the legal system. Their poverty
and lack of resources put them at a significant disadvantage when faced with the legal
complexities of the case. The play serves as a critique of the class divisions and injustices
prevalent in society at the time.

THE REASONS FOR THE FALL OF THE GESSLER BROTHERS IN QUALITY

In Galsworthy's short story "Quality," the Gessler brothers, skilled shoemakers, face a
significant decline in their business, leading to their eventual downfall. The story serves as a
critique of the changing economic landscape in the early 20th century, where craftsmanship
and quality were compromised in favour of mass production and consumerism.

1. Rise of Mass Production and Consumerism: One of the key reasons for the decline of the
Gessler brothers' shoe making business was the growing emphasis on mass production and
consumerism. During this period, there was a significant shift in the market towards cheap,
standardised goods to cater to the increasing demand of the rapidly growing population.
Large corporations began to dominate the market with their mass-produced footwear,
flooding it with inexpensive, but often lower-quality, products. The Gessler brothers, being
traditional craftsmen, found it challenging to compete with the scale and affordability of
mass-produced shoes, as their products were more time-consuming and expensive to
produce.

2. Compromising Quality for Profit: As the demand for cheaper footwear increased, the
Gessler brothers may have faced pressure to reduce costs and compromise on the quality of
their products to stay competitive. In a bid to lower production expenses and match the
prices of mass-produced shoes, they might have been forced to use lower-grade materials
or adopt less time-consuming production methods. This led to a decline in the overall quality
of their shoes, which could have resulted in a loss of customer loyalty and trust.

3. Lack of Advertising and Marketing: While the Gessler brothers took great pride in their
craftsmanship, they may not have had the resources or knowledge to effectively market their
products. In contrast, large corporations invested heavily in advertising and marketing
campaigns to promote their mass-produced footwear to a wider audience. As a result, the
Gessler brothers' brand might have remained relatively obscure, causing them to lose
potential customers to more aggressively marketed alternatives.

4. Changing Customer Preferences: As mass-produced shoes became more readily

available, consumer preferences began to shift towards cheaper and more convenient
options. The allure of owning a pair of shoes made by skilled artisans like the Gessler
brothers lost its appeal to many customers who sought affordable and easily replaceable
footwear. Traditional craftsmanship, while appreciated by some, was no longer seen as a
primary factor in the purchasing decision of the average consumer.

5. Economic Challenges: The early 20th century witnessed economic challenges, including
periods of inflation and financial crises, which could have further impacted the Gessler
brothers' business. Economic downturns often lead to reduced consumer spending, and
during such times, luxury or high-quality items like handcrafted shoes are among the first to
be sacrificed in favour of more essential purchases.

6. Lack of Adaptation to Changing Times: The Gessler brothers' reluctance or inability to

adapt to the changing economic landscape contributed significantly to their downfall. In an
era marked by industrialization and mass production, their commitment to traditional
craftsmanship, while admirable, left them vulnerable to the forces of consumerism and
corporate competition. Their refusal or hesitation to embrace modern production methods
and marketing techniques limited their ability to survive in a rapidly evolving market.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Galsworthy's "Quality" serves as a poignant exploration of the decline of
traditional craftsmanship in the face of mass production and consumerism during the early
20th century. The Gessler brothers' downfall can be attributed to their struggles to compete
with large corporations, their compromise on quality to reduce costs, and their inability to
adapt to changing customer preferences and economic challenges. The story highlights the
adverse effects of crass consumerism and the erosion of quality in favour of profits,
underscoring the importance of preserving traditional artisanal skills in the face of
modernization. "The Silver Box" and "Quality" showcases his concerns about the class
divisions, biases in the legal system, and the erosion of craftsmanship in an increasingly
industrialised and materialistic society. Galsworthy's writings offer valuable insights into the
social, economic, and moral challenges of his time, and his works continue to resonate with
readers as they navigate similar issues in the modern world.