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A review by kraelwake
The American by Henry James
5.0
"You are different. You are a man; you will get over it. You have all kinds of consolation. You were born—you were trained, to changes."
Madame de Cintre to Newman
If any novel highlights the differences between old world European culture and American culture, The American by Henry James is it. Mr. Newman, a millionaire who worked his way from nothing to millions, arrives in France with all the easy American confidence and determination in the world, with the goal of marrying the most superior and ideal wife he can find. He finds, or believes he finds his ideal in a young beautiful widow from the old aristocratic Bellegarde family, Claire de Cintre. He is surprised to find that as a "commercial man" he is unacceptable to such an old distinguished family. Through much confidence in himself, and through almost audacious disregard for their cultural ideas of propriety, he wins Mademoiselle de Cintre and her family to consideration of him. Her family promises not to hinder his pursuit of her, and she eventually accepts him. However, after presenting Newman to their society, the Bellegardes decide that they cannot so soon part with their old ways, and decide against letting Claire marry Newman. Newman's struggle against the Bellegardes seems to be his first and only "let down" and every fiber in his being rages against this refusal.
It's a fascinating struggle between the traditions, prejudices, and culture of the old world, and the new. Interestingly, The American has many highly comedic moments, and an even-handed amount of drama, but it is also a frustratingly tragic love story.
Madame de Cintre to Newman
If any novel highlights the differences between old world European culture and American culture, The American by Henry James is it. Mr. Newman, a millionaire who worked his way from nothing to millions, arrives in France with all the easy American confidence and determination in the world, with the goal of marrying the most superior and ideal wife he can find. He finds, or believes he finds his ideal in a young beautiful widow from the old aristocratic Bellegarde family, Claire de Cintre. He is surprised to find that as a "commercial man" he is unacceptable to such an old distinguished family. Through much confidence in himself, and through almost audacious disregard for their cultural ideas of propriety, he wins Mademoiselle de Cintre and her family to consideration of him. Her family promises not to hinder his pursuit of her, and she eventually accepts him. However, after presenting Newman to their society, the Bellegardes decide that they cannot so soon part with their old ways, and decide against letting Claire marry Newman. Newman's struggle against the Bellegardes seems to be his first and only "let down" and every fiber in his being rages against this refusal.
It's a fascinating struggle between the traditions, prejudices, and culture of the old world, and the new. Interestingly, The American has many highly comedic moments, and an even-handed amount of drama, but it is also a frustratingly tragic love story.