The Ambassadors
Summary
The Ambassadors is an acclaimed 1903 novel by American-born author Henry James. Recognized for its psychological depth, the work explores themes of cultural awakening and personal transformation through the eyes of its protagonist, Lewis Lambert Strether. Set against the backdrop of Paris, the story delves into the stark contrasts between American and European sensibilities at the turn of the 20th century. The novel's narrative structure is notable for its exclusive use of Strether's perspective, allowing readers to experience his gradual shift in worldview. Along with earning a place among the most celebrated works of American literature, The Ambassadors has had a significant influence on modern literature, with authors such as Patricia Highsmith and Cynthia Ozick drawing inspiration from its themes and structure.
Plot
Lambert Strether, a middle-aged American from Woollett, Massachusetts, is sent to Paris by his wealthy fiancée Mrs. Newsome. His mission is to persuade her son Chad to return home and take over the family business. Mrs. Newsome fears Chad may be entangled with an unsuitable woman in Europe. Upon his arrival, Strether meets Maria Gostrey, an American expatriate who becomes his confidante and guide to Parisian society.
When Strether finally encounters Chad, he is surprised to find him transformed into a sophisticated and refined gentleman. Chad introduces Strether to his friends, Madame de Vionnet and her daughter Jeanne. Strether is impressed by their elegance and begins to question his mission. He wonders if Chad's relationship with these women, particularly Madame de Vionnet, might be innocent and even beneficial to his character.
As Strether becomes more immersed in Parisian life, he experiences a personal awakening. He feels rejuvenated and begins to see the world through new eyes. His resolve to convince Chad to return weakens, and he starts to appreciate the cultural experiences Europe offers. Meanwhile, Mrs. Newsome grows impatient with Strether's lack of progress and sends a second group of "ambassadors," including her daughter Sarah Pocock, to Paris to accomplish the task.
The story reaches its climax when Strether accidentally discovers Chad and Madame de Vionnet together in the countryside, revealing their true romantic relationship. Despite this revelation, Strether still believes in the positive influence Madame de Vionnet has had on Chad. In the end, Chad decides to return to America, leaving Madame de Vionnet behind. Strether, having completed his mission but forever changed by his experiences, prepares to return to Woollett, unsure of what awaits him there.
Themes
• Cultural clash between American and European values
• Personal growth and self-discovery
• Duty versus personal desire
• The power of perception and preconceived notions
• The complexities of human relationships
• The nature of morality and social conventions
• The pursuit of life experiences and personal fulfillment
Setting
Set in the early 20th century, The Ambassadors unfolds primarily in Paris, France, with brief mentions of Woollett, Massachusetts. The novel captures the stark contrast between American and European sensibilities during this era, as the protagonist, Lambert Strether, navigates the sophisticated Parisian society. More than just a backdrop, Paris symbolizes the allure and complexity of European culture. The city's grand boulevards, elegant cafés, and rich artistic heritage provide a vivid setting that deeply influences the characters' experiences and transformations.
While the majority of the action takes place in Paris, the novel also references other European locations, such as Chester, England, and the French countryside. These varied settings help illustrate the broader cultural differences between the Old World and the New, emphasizing the theme of an American abroad confronting unfamiliar social norms and values.
Characters
• Lambert Strether: The protagonist, a cultured man in his fifties from Woollett, Massachusetts. Sent to Paris as an “ambassador” to retrieve Chad Newsome, Strether undergoes a profound transformation as he becomes enchanted by European culture. His evolving perspective forms the heart of the novel, as he grapples with duty, personal growth, and the complexities of human relationships. Strether's journey represents a late-life awakening to new possibilities and ways of seeing the world.
• Chad Newsome: The son of Mrs. Newsome, whom Strether is tasked with bringing back to America. Initially portrayed as wayward, Chad surprises Strether with his newfound sophistication and refinement. His relationship with Madame de Vionnet becomes a central mystery and source of conflict in the novel.
• Maria Gostrey: An American expatriate living in Paris who becomes Strether's confidante and guide to European society. Maria offers valuable insights and serves as a sounding board for Strether's evolving thoughts and feelings throughout the novel.
• Madame de Vionnet: A charming and cultured Parisian woman who is closely associated with Chad. Her true relationship with Chad becomes a source of intrigue and moral dilemma for Strether as the story unfolds.
• Mrs. Newsome: Chad's mother and Strether's fiancée, who remains offstage in America. Her unseen but powerful presence drives much of the plot, as her expectations and judgments loom over Strether's mission.
• Sarah Pocock: Mrs. Newsome's daughter, who is sent to Paris as a second “ambassador” when Strether fails to quickly accomplish his mission. Sarah represents a more rigid, traditional American viewpoint in contrast to Strether's evolving perspective.
• Little Bilham: A young American artist in Paris and friend of Chad. He serves as a source of information for Strether and contributes to his changing view of Chad's situation.
• Waymarsh: Strether's American friend, who accompanies him to Europe but remains largely resistant to its charms. He represents the more conventional American attitude that Strether gradually rejects.
Quick facts
• Henry James considered The Ambassadors to be his best novel.
• The idea for the novel came from James's friend, novelist William Dean Howells, who had a similar experience visiting his son in Paris.
• The Ambassadors was originally published as a serial in the North American Review.
• The novel is told entirely from the protagonist Strether's point of view.
• James had difficulties with the publishing process, resulting in textual variations between different editions.
• There has been controversy over the correct chapter order, particularly for chapters 28 and 29.
• The exact nature of the “little nameless object” manufactured in Woollett remains a literary mystery.
• In 1998, the Modern Library ranked The Ambassadors 27th on its list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century.
• The novel inspired Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley, which has a similar premise.
• A musical theatre adaptation titled Ambassador was produced in London and on Broadway in the early 1970s, though it was unsuccessful.
• In 1977, the BBC adapted the novel for television, featuring Paul Scofield as Strether and Lee Remick as Maria Gostrey, as part of its “Play of the Month” series.
About the author
Henry James
Henry James (1843-1916) was an American-born author who became a key transitional figure between literary realism and modernism. Born into an intellectual family, James was the son of philosopher Henry James Sr. and brother to psychologist William James. Though he began his career in the United States, James spent much of his adult life in Europe, eventually becoming a British citizen in 1915.
James is best known for his psychologically astute novels exploring the clash between American and European cultures, such as The Portrait of a Lady, The Wings of the Dove, and The Ambassadors. His writing style evolved over his career, becoming increasingly complex and experimental in his later works. Known for its ambiguous ghost story, James's novella The Turn of the Screw remains one of his most analyzed and adapted works.
Beyond fiction, James was an accomplished literary critic and travel writer. He produced a large body of nonfiction work, including critical essays, travelogues of his experiences in Europe and America, and autobiographical writings. He was also a prolific letter writer, with more than 10,000 of his personal letters surviving today. James’s psychological realism, masterful character development, and pioneering use of point of view techniques have secured his place in the literary canon. His works continue to be widely read, studied, and adapted for stage and screen.