The American (Cyclopedia of Literary Places)
At a glance:
- Author: Henry James
- First Published: 1877
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Psychological realism
- Time of Work: Mid-nineteenth century
- Genres: Long fiction, Psychological fiction
- Subjects: Values, Traveling or travelers, Nineteenth century, Paris, Aristocracy or aristocrats, Millionaires, Switzerland or Swiss people
- Locales: Paris, France
Places Discussed
*Europe. Europe represents culture and sophistication, but also mystery and corruption. Christopher Newman (the “American” of the title), a self-made American millionaire educated in the school of hard knocks, comes to Europe to complete his cultural education and perhaps to find a wife. He visits hundreds of notable churches and a host of museums and palaces. Though he seldom fully understands the great works of art and architecture that he sees, he is willing to concede their worth. Likewise, he never fully understands the members of the aristocratic...
[The entire page is 966 words long]
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