The Reverberator by Henry James

Name: The Reverberator
Author: Henry James

The novel revolves around the American expatriate Verena Tarrant and her relationship with the wealthy and influential Mrs. Breadwin. Verena's unique gift for public speaking has made her a sought-after figure in society, but she struggles to maintain her independence amidst the pressures of fame. As Verena becomes increasingly entangled in Mrs. Breadwin's life, she begins to question her own values and desires. The novel explores themes of identity, morality, and the complexities of human relationships, raising questions about the nature of truth and authenticity. Through a nuanced portrayal of the characters' inner lives, the novel delves into the tensions between individuality and conformity, highlighting the challenges faced by those who seek to maintain their autonomy in a society that often values superficial appearances over genuine connections.

By Henry James · First published 1898 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Satire · 14 chapters · 66,971 words

First lines

"I guess my daughter's in here," the old man said leading the way into the little salon de lecture. He was not of the most advanced age, but that is the way George Flack considered him, and indeed he looked older than he was. George Flack had found him sitting in the court of the hotel -- he sat a great deal in the court of the hotel -- and had gone up to him with characteristic directness and asked him for Miss Francina. Poor Mr. Dosson had with the greatest docility disposed himself to wait on the young man: he had as a matter of course risen and made his way across the court to announce to his child that she had a visitor. He looked submissive, almost servile, as he preceded the visitor, thrusting his head forward in his quest; but it was not in Mr. Flack's line to notice that sort of thing. He accepted the old gentleman's good offices as he would have accepted those of a waiter, conveying no hint of an attention paid also to himself.

What this Textopian page supports

The Reverberator is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry James, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Satire, Romance, Drama
Length: 66,971 words
Structure: 14 chapters, 1,222 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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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, social commentary, and exploration of themes such as privacy and the impact of media.
Social Commentary — The narrative critiques the influence of journalism and media on personal lives and societal norms.
Satire — The story employs humor and irony to critique the behaviors and attitudes of its characters, particularly in relation to American and European cultural differences.
Romance — The plot includes romantic elements and relationships that drive the narrative forward.