The Coxon Fund by Henry James (1911)

Name: The Coxon Fund
Author: Henry James

The novel revolves around the complex relationships between a group of characters, particularly the narrator and his friend, who are both drawn to the same woman. The story explores themes of love, morality, and social class through their interactions with each other and with the mysterious Coxon Fund. The narrative is structured as a series of conversations and observations, which creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy. However, this structure also raises questions about the reliability of the narrator and the accuracy of the events described. Throughout the novel, James explores the tension between individual desire and social convention, highlighting the ways in which societal expectations can shape our behavior and relationships. The Coxon Fund becomes a symbol of the characters' desires and aspirations, as well as their moral compromises. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced and ambiguous portrayal of human nature, leaving the reader to draw their own conclusions about the characters' motivations and actions.

By Henry James · First published 1911 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction · 12 chapters · 31,462 words

First lines

"THEY'VE got him for life! " I said to myself that evening on my way back to the station; but later on, alone in the compartment (from Wimbledon to Waterloo, before the glory of the District Railway) I amended this declaration in the light of the sense that my friends would probably after all not enjoy a monopoly of Mr. Saltram. I won't pretend to have taken his vast measure on that first occasion, but I think I had achieved a glimpse of what the privilege of his acquaintance might mean for many persons in the way of charges accepted. He had been a great experience, and it was this perhaps that had put me into the frame of foreseeing how we should all, sooner or later, have the honour of dealing with him as a whole. Whatever impression I then received of the amount of this total, I had a full enough vision of the patience of the Mulvilles. He was to stay all the winter: Adelaide dropped it in a tone that drew the sting from the inevitable emphasis. These excellent people might indeed have been content to give the circle of hospitality a diameter of six months; but if they didn't say he was to stay all summer as well it was only because this was more than they ventured to hope. I remember that at dinner that evening he wore slippers, new and predominantly purple, of some queer carpet-stuff; but the Mulvilles were still in the stage of supposing that he might be snatched from them by higher bidders. At a later time they grew, poor dears, to fear no snatching; but theirs was a fidelity which needed no help from competition to make them proud. Wonderful indeed as, when all was said, you inevitably pronounced Frank Saltram, it was not to be overlooked that the Kent Mulvilles were in their way still more extraordinary: as striking an instance as could easily be encountered of the familiar truth that remarkable men find remarkable conveniences.

What this Textopian page supports

The Coxon Fund is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry James, dated 1911 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: 1911 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Psychological Fiction, Satire
Length: 31,462 words
Structure: 12 chapters, 339 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Coxon Fund?
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.
Social Commentary — The narrative delves into societal norms and critiques the social structures of the time.
Psychological Fiction — The story examines the inner thoughts and motivations of its characters, highlighting psychological depth.
Satire — The book employs wit and irony to critique and mock societal conventions and human behavior.