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nothingforpomegranted 's review for:
The Bostonians
by Henry James
Henry James is an equal opportunity satirist, and The Bostonians features a wealth of opinions, all of which seem utterly ridiculous by the novel’s end. However, despite the witty and, at times, laugh out loud funny language, much of this book felt like Jane Austen gone wrong
The relationship between Olive and Verena reminded me of that of Austen’s Emma and Harriet, but while Emma is confident and assertive, Olive’s independence presents her to the reader as reticent and unpleasant, which is all the more disappointing because Olive might have been a fascinating character study in repressed homosexuality with resonance into the present. Likewise, Harriet is attracted by Emma’s world and thrilled to be her protege, but matures by the end of the novel to assess her choices and make her own decision. In contrast, Verena remains passive throughout the book, allowing herself to be possessed by one character after another, drawn to her like the newest doll. Halfway through the book, a Verena seems to make progress, explaining the plight of women in a powerful statement to Basil Ransom, ending with a declaration that “Good gentlemen, you have never been in the box, and you haven’t the least idea how it feels!” Unfortunately, Verena’s strength seems to end here, and James ends the book with a promise that Verena will be crying many more tears as a result of relationships. Tragic as this ending may be, it is hard to root for a character who is so pliable.
As for the romance, Basil Ransom feels like an unfortunate parody of Mr. Darcy, claiming to hate everything his lover stands for, yet falling for her charms. That said, flighty, simple Verena has nothing on proud, intelligent, determined Elizabeth Bennett. Indeed, it’s hard to know what attracts this seemingly bright (though incredibly obnoxious) man to Verena beyond her supposed beauty. The romance is questionably developed, which I suppose is characteristic of the time, but so much so that it’s hard to believe any of the events might have inspired passion between the characters. And, it almost goes without saying, Ransom’s stalking has none of the swoon-inducing drama of Darcy’s letter; I certainly didn’t fall for Ransom as I have for Darcy, but I almost don’t even feel bad that Verena ends up with him.
The relationship between Olive and Verena reminded me of that of Austen’s Emma and Harriet, but while Emma is confident and assertive, Olive’s independence presents her to the reader as reticent and unpleasant, which is all the more disappointing because Olive might have been a fascinating character study in repressed homosexuality with resonance into the present. Likewise, Harriet is attracted by Emma’s world and thrilled to be her protege, but matures by the end of the novel to assess her choices and make her own decision. In contrast, Verena remains passive throughout the book, allowing herself to be possessed by one character after another, drawn to her like the newest doll. Halfway through the book, a Verena seems to make progress, explaining the plight of women in a powerful statement to Basil Ransom, ending with a declaration that “Good gentlemen, you have never been in the box, and you haven’t the least idea how it feels!” Unfortunately, Verena’s strength seems to end here, and James ends the book with a promise that Verena will be crying many more tears as a result of relationships. Tragic as this ending may be, it is hard to root for a character who is so pliable.
As for the romance, Basil Ransom feels like an unfortunate parody of Mr. Darcy, claiming to hate everything his lover stands for, yet falling for her charms. That said, flighty, simple Verena has nothing on proud, intelligent, determined Elizabeth Bennett. Indeed, it’s hard to know what attracts this seemingly bright (though incredibly obnoxious) man to Verena beyond her supposed beauty. The romance is questionably developed, which I suppose is characteristic of the time, but so much so that it’s hard to believe any of the events might have inspired passion between the characters. And, it almost goes without saying, Ransom’s stalking has none of the swoon-inducing drama of Darcy’s letter; I certainly didn’t fall for Ransom as I have for Darcy, but I almost don’t even feel bad that Verena ends up with him.