The Fugitive: A Play in Four Acts

"The Fugitive" is a four-act play by John Galsworthy, first performed in 1913. The play revolves around the romantic relationship between a married woman, and a successful but aging barrister who is aware of his wife's infidelity but chooses to ignore it. As the play progresses, the character's motivations and desires are revealed, leading to a tragic conclusion. His passion for her is not reciprocated, and he eventually leaves her. She cannot bear the shame of her actions, taking her own life. He is left to deal with the aftermath of his wife's death and confront his own role in her unhappiness. The play explores themes of love, desire, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. It also highlights the societal expectations placed on women and the limitations they face in pursuing their own happiness. Overall, "The Fugitive" is a poignant and thought-provoking examination of the human condition.

About the Author :
John Galsworthy was an English novelist and playwright who won the 1932 Nobel Prize in Literature. He was born on 14 August 1867, in Kingston Hill in a rich family. His father, also named John Galsworthy was an well-established solicitor and company director in London. His mother, Blanche Galsworthy was very spiritual. He began his education under the tutors at home and later was admitted to a preliminary school at Bournemouth at the age of nine. Galsworthy read law in Harrow and New College, Oxford. Trained as lawyer, he diverted to writing as soon as his father died. Even before that he had confined four books under pseudonym John Sinjohn. His first book printed in 1897 was a collection of short stories titled 'From the Four Winds'. Jocelyn published in 1898 was his first full novel. In 1905 he married Ada Pearson, his cousin's wife. At the end of his life Galsworthy advanced brain tumour and died on 31 January 1933 in his London home. John Galsworthy is renowned for his trilogy 'The Forsyte Saga'. The Skin Game and Loyalties are two of his best known plays. In 1919 John accepted Belgian Palmes d'Or. On 3 January 1929, he was received the Order of Merit by King George V of the United Kingdom and in 1932, John Galsworthy earned the Nobel Prize in Literature.