Class and Morality in John Galsworthy’s Strife

John Galsworthy’s Strife presents a deep exploration of class conflict and moral dilemmas situated in the intense environment of an industrial strike. The play unfolds in the midst of a labor dispute involving the working class and their employers, offering a glimpse into the economic, social, and moral tensions present in early 20th-century Britain. Galsworthy intricately explores the human cost of industrialization, portraying the characters’ struggles as a battle for better working conditions and a deeper moral confrontation between two classes with opposing interests and values. The play critiques the dehumanizing effects of capitalism through the lens of the strike, highlighting the ethical complexities that shape the actions of both workers and employers. In Strife, Galsworthy crafts a morally ambiguous narrative, illustrating how both sides struggle with their ethical responsibilities. The portrayal of workers highlights their status as victims within a system that values profit more than human dignity, while the employers’ commitment to conventional ideas of authority and order faces scrutiny as well. Galsworthy’s depiction of these characters compels the audience to consider the moral compromises that each side encounters while striving for their individual goals. This paper examines the theme of class and morality in Strife, focussing on the dramatic techniques Galsworthy uses to highlight the ethical complexities of the industrial era. Examining the characters’ interactions along with the broader social implications of the strike, this research seeks to underscore how Galsworthy uses the play to challenge the prevailing moral and social order, inviting the audience to reconsider their views on justice, inequality, and the human condition in a classdivided society.