Plays : Fifth Series

"Plays: Fifth Series" by John Galsworthy is a compilation of theatrical works from the early 1900s, exploring themes of family relationships, social norms, and individual battles. The plays revolve around characters like John Builder, a businessman and aspiring mayor, and his daughters, Athene and Maud, who struggle with their identities and decisions in a rapidly changing world. In "A Family Man," the opening play, John Builder and his wife, Julia, discuss their family, with a focus on their estranged daughter, Athene. John wants to reconnect with Athene, who has distanced herself because of clashing beliefs, especially her pursuit of artistic expression and freedom. As tension builds, it's clear that John's idea of family duties clashes with his daughters' dreams, setting the scene for conflicts between generations and the evolving roles of women in society, ultimately highlighting struggles with authority, independence, and the meaning of family.