The Lesson of the Master
Jan 2019 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
67
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About this ebook
The Lesson of the Master is a novella written by Henry James, originally published in 1888. The novella tells the story of a young writer, Paul Overt, who meets Henry St. George, a famous novelist Overt admires. During that time, Overt also meets and falls in love with Marian Fancourt, a young woman who admires both St. George's and Overt's work. During their meetings, St. George, who is married, advises Overt against getting married and having children, arguing that a wife and children will be the death of Overt's creativity and career. Overt then takes an extended vacation in which he considers St. George's advice. When he returns, he learns that St. George's wife had died, and that St. George had taken Marian Fancourt as his wife. Overt feels that St. George had set him up in order to have Miss Fancourt for himself, but St. George insists that by marrying her, he saved Overt and his career. (Wikipedia)
About the author
Henry James (1843-1916) was an American-British author whose profound impact on literature continues to resonate today. Born into a wealthy and intellectually vibrant family in New York City, James was exposed to a rich cultural and intellectual environment from an early age. His father, Henry James Sr., was a theologian and philosopher, and his brother, William James, became a renowned psychologist and philosopher.James's literary career spanned over five decades, during which he produced a vast body of work including novels, short stories, and critical essays. His writing is celebrated for its psychological depth, intricate character development, and exploration of consciousness. Notable works such as "The Portrait of a Lady" and "The Turn of the Screw" showcase his mastery in delving into the complexities of human experience and social dynamics.A cosmopolitan figure, James spent much of his life in Europe, particularly in England, where he became a British citizen in 1915. His transatlantic perspective enriched his narratives, often contrasting the cultural differences between America and Europe. This unique viewpoint made him a pivotal figure in the transition from 19th-century realism to 20th-century modernism.James was not without controversy. His dense prose and focus on the inner lives of characters sometimes alienated readers and critics alike. However, his innovative narrative techniques, such as the use of free indirect discourse, influenced a generation of writers, including Virginia Woolf and James Joyce.Championing the idea that fiction should be an art form, James's legacy endures in his contributions to literary theory and his insistence on the moral and aesthetic responsibilities of the novelist. His work remains a touchstone for discussions on narrative form, psychological realism, and the role of the artist in society.
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