Summary
Henry James’s The Wings of the Dove is renowned for its nuanced portrayal of human motivations, social ambitions, and moral ambiguity. Published in 1902, the novel explores themes of love, greed, and mortality against the backdrop of high society in London and Venice. The story revolves around three characters—Milly Theale, a wealthy young American heiress; Kate Croy, an impoverished English beauty; and Merton Densher, a journalist caught between the two women. James weaves a tale of manipulation and self-deception as Kate and Merton scheme to inherit Milly's fortune.
Marked by intricate prose, complex characters, and deep psychological insights, The Wings of the Dove is widely considered one of greatest works of English literature. In 1997, Iain Softley directed a critically acclaimed film adaptation, which earned Helena Bonham Carter an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal of Kate Croy.
Plot
Set in early 20th-century London, The Wings of the Dove follows the story of Kate Croy and Merton Densher, a couple deeply in love but unable to marry due to financial constraints. Kate, living under the control of her wealthy aunt Maud Lowder, devises a scheme when she meets Milly Theale, a terminally ill American heiress who has developed feelings for Densher.
Kate encourages Densher to court Milly, hoping that after Milly's death, Densher will inherit her fortune, allowing the couple to marry. Milly, unaware of Kate and Densher's relationship, travels to Venice with her companion, Mrs. Stringham. Kate, Densher, and Aunt Maud follow, where Kate reveals her full plan to Densher at a party in Milly's palazzo.
Reluctantly, Densher agrees to Kate's scheme but demands she consummate their relationship first. As Densher grows closer to Milly in Venice, Kate returns to London. However, the plan unravels when Milly learns of their deception from one of Kate's former suitors. Heartbroken, Milly withdraws from Densher, and her health rapidly deteriorates.
After Milly's death, Densher discovers she has left him a substantial inheritance despite knowing of the plot. Torn by guilt, he refuses to accept the money and gives Kate an ultimatum—choose between him or the inheritance. The novel ends with their future together uncertain, with Kate cryptically stating, “We shall never be again as we were!”
Themes
Wealth and its corrupting influence
Manipulation and deception in relationships
The conflict between love and money
Illness and mortality
Social class and status in society
The complexities of human desire
The consequences of moral choices
Setting
Set in the early 20th century, The Wings of the Dove unfolds primarily across two vibrant European locales, London and Venice. The story captures the essence of Edwardian England, a time of great social change and cultural upheaval, as well as the timeless allure of Italy's floating city.
London serves as the initial backdrop, with its bustling drawing rooms and the intricate social hierarchies of the British upper class. Here, the novel's characters navigate the complexities of love, ambition, and societal expectations. The city's grandeur and its stark class divisions provide a fitting stage for the unfolding drama between Kate Croy, Merton Densher, and the wealthy American heiress Milly Theale.
The story later shifts to Venice, a city steeped in romance and mystery. As the drama unfolds, the opulent Venetian palazzos, with their ornate architecture and rich history, become the setting for pivotal moments. This enchanting Italian city, with its winding canals and shadowy alleyways, serves as both a haven and a trap for the characters, intensifying the emotional complexities of their relationships and schemes.
Characters
Milly Theale: A wealthy young American heiress who is naive, kindhearted, and terminally ill. Milly travels to Europe to experience life before her impending death. Her generous nature and substantial fortune make her an easy target for manipulation. Despite her illness, Milly maintains an optimistic outlook and forms close bonds with those around her.
Kate Croy: An impoverished but beautiful and ambitious young Englishwoman. Kate is in love with Merton Densher but cannot marry him due to their financial situation. She devises a scheme to secure Milly's fortune for herself and Merton, showcasing her cunning and morally ambiguous nature. Kate's actions drive much of the plot.
Merton Densher: A journalist and Kate's secret fiancé. Merton is initially reluctant to participate in Kate's plan to deceive Milly but eventually gives in to her demands. His growing affection for Milly complicates matters, leading to internal conflict and moral dilemmas. Merton's choices and actions ultimately shape the novel's conclusion.
Aunt Maud Lowder: Kate's wealthy and domineering aunt. Maud seeks to control Kate's life and arrange an advantageous marriage for her. She disapproves of Merton and tries to keep him and Kate apart.
Susan Stringham: Milly's companion and confidante. Susan is protective of Milly and genuinely cares for her well-being. She serves as a maternal figure for the young heiress.
Lord Mark: A suitor who pursues Milly for her fortune. He plays a crucial role in revealing Kate and Merton's scheme to Milly.
Sir Luke Strett: The eminent physician who treats Milly. He is discreet about her condition and offers her support and guidance.
Quick facts
The Wings of the Dove was first published in 1902, during Henry James's late period of writing, and is considered one of the author’s most complex and sophisticated works.
James based the character of Milly Theale on his cousin Minny Temple, who died young from tuberculosis.
The Wings of the Dove explores themes of love, money, and morality in upper-class society.
The title comes from a verse in Psalm 68 of the Bible.
James wrote much of the novel while living in Rye, England.
The Wings of the Dove is set in London and Venice, two cities James knew well.
In 1961, the novel was adapted into an opera by composer Douglas Moore.
The 1997 film adaptation starring Helena Bonham Carter received four Academy Award nominations.
In 1998, The Wings of the Dove was ranked at 26 on The Modern Library's list of 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century.
About the Author
Henry James (1843-1916) was a prolific American-British author regarded as one of the great novelists in the English language. He is best known for his novels exploring the social and cultural differences between Americans and Europeans in the late 19th century while depicting the inner thoughts and motivations of his characters. His most famous and acclaimed works include Daisy Miller, The Turn of the Screw, The Portrait of a Lady, The Wings of the Dove, Washington Square, and The Golden Bowl.
Born in New York City, James spent much of his adult life in Europe, becoming a British citizen in 1915. He came from an intellectual family—his father was a religious philosopher and his brother William was a prominent psychologist. His writing style evolved over his career, becoming increasingly experimental and psychologically complex in his later novels. Nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature three times, he is now recognized as a master of nuanced character development and a key transitional figure between literary realism and modernism.
In addition to his fiction, James was an influential literary critic who wrote extensively on the art of the novel. He argued for artistic freedom in his essay “The Art of Fiction” and produced insightful studies of other writers, including Nathaniel Hawthorne. He also wrote plays, travel books, and, late in his career, autobiographical works. His detailed explorations of consciousness and ambiguous, open-ended narratives continue to engage readers and inspire writers.
