Glasses by Henry James (1908)

Name: Glasses
Author: Henry James

The novel revolves around the complex relationships between two American cousins, John and Basil Ransom, who are visiting Europe. The story centers on their interactions with a young woman, Milly Theale, an American heiress suffering from a terminal illness. As they navigate their feelings for her, they must confront their own moral and emotional limitations.

By Henry James · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary · 13 chapters · 26,363 words

First lines

Yes indeed, I say to myself, pen in hand, I can keep hold of the thread and let it lead me back to the first impression. The little story is all there, I can touch it from point to point; for the thread, as I call it, is a row of coloured beads on a string. None of the beads are missing -- at least I think they're not: that's exactly what I shall amuse myself with finding out.

What this Textopian page supports

Glasses is listed on Textopian as a novel 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: Novel
Author: Henry James
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Romance
Length: 26,363 words
Structure: 13 chapters, 205 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Glasses by Henry James
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Glasses?
How does this novel 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 book is characterized by its focus on character development, intricate narrative style, and exploration of social themes.
Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the psychological motivations and inner lives of the characters, emphasizing their thoughts and emotions.
Social Commentary — The story critiques and reflects on societal norms and class distinctions, highlighting the social dynamics of the time.
Romance — The plot includes romantic elements and relationships that drive the narrative forward.