Madame De Mauves by Henry James
The novel revolves around the complex relationships between two women, Madame de Mauves and her cousin, a young American woman. The story explores themes of love, identity, and cultural differences through their interactions with various men in their lives.
By Henry James · First published 1880 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Romance · 9 chapters · 36,744 words
First lines
The view from the terrace at Saint-Germain-en-Laye is immense and famous. Paris lies spread before you in dusky vastness, domed and fortified, glittering here and there through her light vapours and girdled with her silver Seine. Behind you is a park of stately symmetry, and behind that a forest where you may lounge through turfy avenues and light-chequered glades and quite forget that you are within half an hour of the boulevards. One afternoon, however, in mid-spring, some five years ago, a young man seated on the terrace had preferred to keep this in mind. His eyes were fixed in idle wistfulness on the mighty human hive before him. He was fond of rural things, and he had come to Saint-Germain a week before to meet the spring halfway; but though he could boast of a six months' acquaintance with the great city he never looked at it from his present vantage without a sense of curiosity still unappeased.
What this Textopian page supports
Madame De Mauves is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry James, dated 1880 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: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Romance, Social Commentary
- Length: 36,744 words
- Structure: 9 chapters, 354 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Madame De Mauves by Henry James
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- 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 Madame De Mauves?
- How does this novel by Henry James fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book is characterized by its focus on character development, intricate narrative style, and exploration of complex social themes.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves deeply into the psychological motivations and inner lives of its characters, particularly in the context of personal and moral dilemmas.
- Romance — The plot centers around romantic relationships and the emotional and social challenges they entail.
- Social Commentary — The story critiques and reflects on societal norms and cultural differences, particularly between American and European values.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Realism · Social Commentary · Marriage · Love Triangle · Class Conflict · Identity Crisis · Morality · Ethics · Philosophy · Existentialism · Romance