Summary for the Play Strife by John Galsworthy
Strife
- John Galsworthy
Strife is a three-act play
written by John Galsworthy. It is his third play and the play highlights the
social issues. It was produced in the year 1909 at the Duke of York Theatre.
The title “strife” has a biblical meaning which means bitter conflict.
The theme in this play is
capital and labour. The action takes place on 7th february at the Trenartha
Tin Plate Work. The factory workers involve in a prolonged strike. There arises
a conflict between the company chairman John Anthony and the workers leader
Roberts. Both are very stern and adamant to compromise.
Anthony was the chairman for 32 years and he is determined to
fight and win. In his thirty two years of experience he has won four strikes.
He was certain that he could win the strike once more. The directors felt
unfair about the stern nature of Anthony. The directors were aware about the
outcome of this prolonged strike.
Simon Harness, a Trades union official go as a mediator
between Roberts and Anthony. His meet with the chairman resulted in failure because
Anthony remained obstinate. At the same time the leader of workers was not
ready to yield.
The plight of the workers were grewing worse. Some workers
were ready to give up the strike, but Robert remained stubborn. The workers and
their family members were suffering due to starvation. Roberts wife was dying
out of hunger. She had been the maid of Underwood. Underwood, the daughter of
Anthony has tried to help Mrs. Roberts by providing her food. But the proud and
arrogant leader Robert refuses to accept the help from the daughter of John
Anthony. She pleads to accept the help and save the life of his wife and end
the strike.
Harness held a meeting with the workers and most of the
strikers consented to end in compromise. But Robert was not ready to go for a
compromise. He gave a speech and he tried to convince his workers not to go for
a compromise. A young woman came forward in the meeting and announced Robert about
his wife’s death.
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