The Path of Duty by Henry James
The novel revolves around the complexities of social class and morality in late 19th-century England. It follows the story of a young woman who must navigate her relationships with those from different social strata while adhering to her sense of duty. The protagonist's family has fallen on hard times, forcing them to rely on the charity of their wealthy relatives. As she becomes increasingly entangled in the lives of these upper-class individuals, she begins to question her own values and loyalties. Throughout the novel, themes of social hierarchy, personal responsibility, and the constraints placed upon women are explored. The protagonist's struggles serve as a commentary on the societal expectations that govern the lives of women during this period. Ultimately, the novel presents a nuanced portrayal of the difficulties faced by those caught between their duty to family and society, and their own desires for autonomy and self-expression.
By Henry James · First published 1902 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary · 8 chapters · 17,223 words
First lines
His brilliant prospects dated from the death of his brother, who had no children, had indeed steadily refused to marry. When I say brilliant prospects, I mean the vision of the baronetcy, one of the oldest in England, of a charming seventeenth-century house, with its park, in Dorsetshire, and a property worth some twenty thousand a year. Such a collection of items is still dazzling to me, even after what you would call, I suppose, a familiarity with British grandeur. My husband is n't a baronet (or we probably should n't be in London in December), and he is far, alas, from having twenty thousand a year. The full enjoyment of these luxuries, on Ambrose Tester's part, was dependent naturally, on the death of his father, who was still very much to the fore at the time I first knew the young man. The proof of it is the way he kept nagging at his sons, as the younger used to say, on the question of taking a wife.
What this Textopian page supports
The Path of Duty is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry James, dated 1902 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Henry James
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama
- Length: 17,223 words
- Structure: 8 chapters, 148 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- The Marriages by Henry James
- Confidence by Henry James
- The Meeting by Vsevolod Garshin
- The Middle Years by Henry James
- Bloom by Hjalmar Soderberg
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative focuses on character development and explores complex social and moral themes.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the inner thoughts and motivations of the characters, emphasizing psychological depth.
- Social Commentary — The plot examines societal norms and critiques social structures and expectations.
- Drama — The narrative involves emotional and relational conflicts, highlighting personal and interpersonal struggles.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Realism · Social Commentary · Coming-of-Age · Family Dynamics · Morality · Ethics · Identity Crisis · Self-Discovery · Class Conflict · Social Hierarchy · English Literature