The Ambassadors

Guide Note:

Henry James' The Ambassadors is generally considered as one his final masterpieces.

The Dark-comedy begins in London, as the hero Lewis Lambert Strether arrives in Paris to rescue his fiancée's son Chad, of whom the people thinks has fallen in love with an inappropriate woman. While waiting for his friend, Waymarsh, Strether meets Maria Gostrey at the hotel desk. After becoming quick friends, Strether comes to know the real situation with Maria's cynical wit and worldly-wise opinions. He explains her that his mission is to convince and fetch Chad back to Woolet, where he is needed by family business and tells her that if he succeeds he and Mrs. Newsome, his fiancée would get married.

In Paris, Strether meets, and is taken to a garden party by Chad. There he meets Marie de Vionnet, a beautiful and gracious woman separated from her husband, and her daughter Jeanne. Strether is confused whether Chad loves the mother or daughter. After some time, Strether starts enjoying his stay in Paris and really tries to stop Chad returning to America. Soon, his fiancée sends more ambassadors including Chad's sister Sarah Pocock. She brakes the impression of Strether that Chad has improved and demands Chad to leave to United States immediately.

Strether sees Chad and Marie at a rural inn during his tour in the countrysides of France. He at once understands their relationship is intimate and obviously lacking in virtue. After returning to Paris, Strether meets and advice Chad not to leave Marie. After realizing that his life in Woolet, Massachusetts would be better compared to Europe, Strether chooses to return to United States.

Fast Facts:

1. Full Title: The Ambassadors
2. Author: Henry James
3. Genre: Dark comedy, Social Study, Stream of Consciousness Narrative
4. Publisher: Harper & Brothers, New York City
5. Themes:
   1. The Importance of Place
   2. The Lived vs. Unlived Life
   3. The American Abroad
6. Publication Date: 6-Nov-1903
7. Narrator: Anonymous
8. Setting (Place): Chester and London, England, Paris, France

About the Author

1. Born on April 15, 1843, in New York, New York
2. Settled permanently in England and became a British citizen in 1915
3. Suffered a stroke in December of 1915
4. Died 3 months later from the stroke on February 28, 1916
5. Most popular works are The Portrait of a Lady, The Bostonians, The Wings of the Dove, The Ambassadors, and The Turn of the Screw