The Apple Tree by John Galsworthy Summary for BA students

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The Apple Tree (1917).
 by John Galsworthy 
John Galsworthy 's The Apple Tree is a tragic tale of class and innocence. This story is entitled "The Apple - tree, the signing and the gold". This story is 
            " most finely crafted, most symbolic,                      and most poetic tales". 
 The story begins on the silver-wedding anniversary of Frank Ashurst and his wife Stella. They are traveling by car through the beautiful countryside on their way to Torquay, where they first met many years ago. 
This journey becomes more than a celebration. It brings back forgotten memories from Ashursts past. 

Ashurst recollects his past life. He introduces his former University friend Robert Garton. When they were travelling to Chagford, Ashurst had a knee pain. Unable to travel they search for a place to stay. They meet Megan David who invites them to her aunts farm. Her aunt is Mrs. Narracombe. 

Ashurst gets attracted towards Megan. They confesses their love for eachother. They consummate their love under an apple tree, which becomes the defining symbol of their pure love. 

Ashurst initially accepts to Marry Megan.He leaves the farm briefly and meets Stella, a wealthy woman from his own social class. Realising the massive class difference between himself and Megan, he hesitates. Driven by social pressure, wealth and his own weakness he abandons Megan and never returns to the Devan Countryside. 

Years later Ashurst returns to the countryside with his wife. He secretly tries to find out what happened to Megan. A local man tells him that Megan gave birth to a still born baby and later drowned herself because she was heartbroken after Ashurst broke his promise to her. Ashurst realises that he lost true love and chose a safe but unhappy life. He is filled with deep guilt and regret. 

The story highlights the theme of love, betrayal, regret, class differences. The Apple tree teaches that true love should never be sacrificed for social status. 




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