Brooksmith by Henry James (1908)

Name: Brooksmith
Author: Henry James

The story revolves around Brooksmith, a butler who has been dismissed from his position due to his strict adherence to the rules of etiquette. He is befriended by a young man who recognizes his exceptional character and offers him a place in his household. Brooksmith's rigid sense of propriety often leads to humorous misunderstandings as he struggles to adapt to the more relaxed atmosphere of his new employer's home. Despite this, Brooksmith remains steadfast in his commitment to upholding the highest standards of behavior. As the story unfolds, Brooksmith becomes increasingly disillusioned with the moral laxity of those around him and begins to question the true nature of propriety. His character serves as a commentary on the social conventions of the time, highlighting the tension between tradition and modernity.

By Henry James · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction · 9,801 words

First lines

We are scattered now, the friends of the late Mr. Oliver Offord; but whenever we chance to meet I think we are conscious of a certain esoteric respect for each other. "Yes, you too have been in Arcadia," we seem not too grumpily to allow. When I pass the house in Mansfield Street I remember that Arcadia was there. I don't know who has it now, and don't want to know; it's enough to be so sure that if I should ring the bell there would be no such luck for me as that Brooksmith should open the door. Mr. Offord, the most agreeable, the most attaching of bachelors, was a retired diplomatist, living on his pension and on something of his own over and above; a good deal confined, by his infirmities, to his fireside and delighted to be found there any afternoon in the year, from five o'clock on, by such visitors as Brooksmith allowed to come up. Brooksmith was his butler and his most intimate friend, to whom we all stood, or I should say sat, in the same relation in which the subject of the sovereign finds himself to the prime minister. By having been for years, in foreign lands, the most delightful Englishman any one had ever known, Mr. Offord had in my opinion rendered signal service to his country. But I suppose he had been too much liked -- liked even by those who didn't like IT -- so that as people of that sort never get titles or dotations for the horrid things they've NOT done, his principal reward was simply that we went to see him.

What this Textopian page supports

Brooksmith is listed on Textopian as a short story by Henry James, dated 1908 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Henry James
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction, Drama, Realism
Length: 9,801 words
Structure: 1 section, 33 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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How does this short story by Henry James fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The narrative focuses on character development, social dynamics, and the subtleties of human relationships, typical of literary fiction.
Social Commentary — The story critiques and reflects on the social structures and class distinctions of the time.
Psychological Fiction — The work delves into the inner lives and psychological complexities of its characters, particularly Brooksmith.
Drama — The plot revolves around personal and social conflicts, with an emphasis on emotional and relational tensions.