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...