illustration of a person on his knees crying with his hands in prayer and a glowing star resonating in his chest with another star at the top of the stairs in front of him

The Ambassadors

by Henry James

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Summary

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Introduction to Strether's Mission
Set against the backdrop of England, The Ambassadors begins with Lewis Lambert Strether’s journey to Liverpool, initiated by his fiancée, Mrs. Newsome, who has tasked him with a critical mission. To maintain his social standing and employment, Strether is to retrieve Chad Newsome, Mrs. Newsome’s son, from his European escapade and return him to the family business in Woollett. Awaiting the arrival of his friend Mr. Waymarsh, who might offer support, Strether encounters Maria Gostrey, a resourceful woman pledging her unwavering support. Yet, Waymarsh, upon arrival, seems less than eager to assist with Strether’s endeavor. During a visit to the Rows in Chester, Waymarsh’s sudden outburst in a jeweler’s shop reveals his inner turmoil, leaving Gostrey and Strether to ponder their own perceived shortcomings in life.

Exploring London

The storyline moves to London, where Strether enjoys a vibrant night out with Maria. At the theater, Maria reiterates Mrs. Newsome’s perspective on Strether’s mission, emphasizing Chad’s entanglement with a dubious woman and the family’s hope for his rescue. The conversation underscores the stakes at hand. Following this, Strether and Waymarsh embark on the next leg of their journey to Paris, with Maria deciding to travel separately.

Encountering Paris

Once in Paris, Strether seeks out Chad Newsome’s residence on the Malesherbes Boulevard, eager to form his own impression of Chad. His exploration of the apartment and the introduction to Mr. John Little Bilham, Chad’s housesitter, leaves Strether with a surprisingly positive view. Contrary to expected tales of debauchery, Chad’s well-kept abode impresses him. The following morning, Strether brings Waymarsh to a breakfast with Bilham and Miss Barrace, another friend of Chad’s. Post-breakfast, Waymarsh urges Strether to abandon his interference in Chad’s affairs.

The Arrival of Maria and Chad

Maria, having arrived in Paris, is introduced to Bilham as they explore the Louvre. She quickly labels him “one of us” while speculating about Chad’s whereabouts. His beautiful apartment and temporary absence in Cannes suggest to her a life of refinement rather than scandal. Strether organizes a theatre outing for their group, but just as the performance is about to begin, Chad makes a surprising entrance, reuniting with the party.

Delicate Negotiations

During the theater performance, Strether contemplates Chad’s evident transformation. Afterward, in a café, Strether presents Mrs. Newsome’s arguments for Chad’s return to America, emphasizing the family’s business interests. Chad, however, suggests a delay in his decision to return. Having fulfilled his duty by delivering the message, Strether finally allows himself to enjoy Paris, becoming a regular visitor at Chad’s apartment. Meanwhile, Waymarsh grows increasingly critical of Strether’s conduct, prompting Miss Barrace to intervene, aiming to refocus Strether on his mission.

The Influence of Madame de Vionnet

Chad requests that Strether refrain from pressuring him until meeting the mother-daughter duo keeping him in Europe. Maria and Strether discuss this situation, speculating on the nature of Chad’s relationship with the daughter. At a lavish party hosted by the artist Gloriani, Chad introduces Strether to Madame de Vionnet, the supposed antagonist in Mrs. Newsome’s narrative. Their brief conversation is interrupted, leaving Strether alone in the garden, where he shares with Bilham his regret over a life not fully lived, urging Bilham to seize his youth.

Complex Developments

Chad reintroduces Strether to Jeanne de Vionnet, a stunning young woman, leading Strether to suspect Chad’s romantic pursuit. However, Strether doubts Jeanne’s compatibility with life in Woollett, perceiving it as a central issue. After escorting Jeanne to her mother, Strether departs discreetly, contemplating Madame de Vionnet’s potential plea for Chad to remain in Europe for Jeanne’s sake. Maria’s growing discomfort with these developments, given...

(This entire section contains 1052 words.)

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her acquaintance with Madame de Vionnet, prompts her temporary departure to visit a friend.

Chad's Surrender and a New Perspective

Following Gloriani’s party, Chad agrees to heed Strether’s guidance, provided Strether spends time with Madame de Vionnet. This engagement reveals her as a transformative influence on Chad. Strether becomes increasingly captivated by her, recognizing her as a remarkable individual rather than a seductress. Madame de Vionnet requests Strether’s aid in maintaining Mrs. Newsome’s patience, reassuring him that Chad is more a protector to Jeanne than a lover.

The Unveiling of Truths

Hints from Miss Barrace and Bilham lead Strether to uncover Chad’s affair with Madame de Vionnet. This revelation shifts Strether’s perspective; he advises Chad not to forsake such an extraordinary woman. Bound by his earlier promise of surrender, Chad complies with Strether’s counsel. As Strether’s acquaintance with Madame de Vionnet deepens, he grows fond of her, writing favorably to Mrs. Newsome and preventing Chad from directly confronting her in America. When a telegram urging their return arrives, Strether and Chad choose to delay, prompting Mrs. Newsome to dispatch her daughter, Sarah.

The Intervention of the Pococks

Sarah Pocock, accompanied by her husband Jim and sister Mamie, arrives to bring Chad to his senses. Waymarsh quickly allies with them, revealing his duplicity. Sarah remains focused on the task at hand, while Jim decides to enjoy the Parisian experience. Mamie notes Chad’s refined demeanor, realizing he is no longer interested in her. Chad attempts to guide them through Paris as Bilham grows interested in Mamie. Meeting Madame de Vionnet fails to impress Sarah.

The Path to Resolution

With Sarah issuing a three-week ultimatum, the Pococks travel, accompanied by Waymarsh and Bilham. Meanwhile, Strether resolves to savor his final days in Europe, opting for a spontaneous train journey into the countryside. During his excursion, he inadvertently encounters Chad and Madame de Vionnet, perceiving their relationship as a conventional romance. Disheartened by the platonic illusion being shattered, Strether is surprised by Chad’s silence. Chad departs for London to explore advertising opportunities, a newly emerging force.

As Strether prepares to return home, he bids farewell to Madame de Vionnet, who accepts her loss gracefully. He declines Maria’s invitation to stay, reflecting on how much he has changed during his time in Europe. Strether confesses to Maria that he can no longer marry Mrs. Newsome, acknowledging his transformation and newfound clarity. He now perceives the world differently, while Mrs. Newsome remains confined to her own narrow views.

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