The Ambassadors: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Ambassadors: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and dynamics among key figures in Henry James's novel. Central to the narrative is Lambert Strether, a 55-year-old editor dispatched by his fiancée, Mrs. Newsome, to persuade her son Chad to return from Paris. Strether's journey reveals his personal transformation as he grapples with the implications of his mission, ultimately valuing Chad's newfound happiness over his own ambitions. Chad Newsome, a 28-year-old man significantly shaped by his experiences in Europe, embodies a conflict between familial duty and personal fulfillment, complicated by his connection with the enchanting Mme de Vionnet.
Other notable characters include Maria Gostrey, a supportive figure who aids Strether in understanding Chad's situation, and Mme de Vionnet herself, a woman trapped by societal constraints yet deeply connected to Chad. The narrative is further enriched by characters like John Little Bilham, an artist and confidant, and members of the Newsome family, who each have their own perspectives and motivations regarding Chad's future. The interplay among these characters highlights themes of love, loyalty, and the tension between societal expectations and personal desires. This analysis is essential for readers seeking to understand the nuanced characterizations and moral dilemmas presented in the novel.
The Ambassadors: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Henry James
First published: 1903
Genre: Novel
Locale: Paris, France
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: c. 1900
Lambert Strether, the chief ambassador of Mrs. Newsome, his betrothed. Strether is sent to summon Mrs. Newsome's son Chad back from Paris to the family business in Wollett, Massachusetts. The fifty-five-year-old editor of a review, Strether has all the tact and diplomacy necessary to accomplish his task, but his sensitivity will not allow him either to complete it or to take advantage of Chad's situation to gain his own ends. He sees Chad as immeasurably better off in Paris and himself as somehow changed and strengthened by his sojourn abroad, though he will not allow himself to stay in Europe after having failed his benefactress. His heady experiences renew his earlier impressions, and he forms friendships, visits cathedrals, and lives easily for the first time since his wife died while bearing their son, also dead. His delicacy—in approaching young Newsome and his mistress, Mme. de Vionnet; in handling Chadwick's sister, brother-in-law, and childhood sweetheart, and in breaking off from Maria Gostrey, who loves him—is the more remarkable when one considers that his own hopes of a rich marriage and great influence have been shattered by his actions.
Chadwick (Chad) Newsome, the handsome, twenty-eight-year-old successor to a family business and the heir to a modest income from another source. Candid and open-hearted, the graying young man has been so improved by his years in Europe, largely under the tutelage of Mme de Vionnet, that no thought of his return can really be habored by anyone who has seen him. Although he himself is willing to return for a visit and to consider taking over the advertising and sales promotion of the business, his proposed marriage to Mamie Pocock is unthinkable. His greatest triumph comes as the result of his mannerly presentation of his sister's group of ambassadors to his Parisian friends, while his saddest duty is to allow his good friend Lambert Strether to return to face the consequences of a diplomatic failure.
Maria Gostrey, a self-styled introducer and tour director and a chance acquaintance of Lambert Strether. A sensitive, genial, and understanding woman, she proves to be the agent through whom the ambassador discovers the irony of Chad Newsome's situation. Her generosity and devotion to her new friend first touch him and then move him deeply when he sees her loyalty and love unencumbered by desire for personal gain.
Mme Marie de Vionnet (mah-REE deh vee-oh-NAY), the beautiful comtesse whose religion and social position will not allow her to divorce an unloved and faithless husband. Gravely lovely and charming, she has educated young Chad Newsome in the social graces and has won his heart and soul. Called a “virtuous connection” by intimate friends, the arrangement seems shabby to Mr. Waymarsh and Mrs. Pocock, typically closed-minded Americans. Through the efforts of good friends, especially Lambert Strether, Mme de Vionnet is allowed to retain her younger lover in spite of the fact that they have no future beyond their immediate happiness. Her daughter, who was believed by some to be in love with Chad Newsome, settles on a marriage more reasonable and agreeable to all.
John Little Bilham, called Little Bilham, an American expatriate artist and Chad Newsome's close friend. A perceptive, bright young man, he becomes the confidant of the ambassadors and, along with a friend, Miss Barrace, their interpreters of social and artistic life in Paris.
Miss Barrace, a shrewd, witty, understanding woman living in Paris. She asks Lambert Strether not to force the issue of Chad Newsome's return home.
Mr. Waymarsh, an American lawyer residing in England, Lambert Strether's friend. He accompanies Strether to Paris and directly involves himself in Chad Newsome's affairs when he writes a letter informing Mrs. Newsome that her ambassador is not fulfilling his mission.
Sarah Newsome Pocock, Chad Newsome's older sister. She, her husband, and her sister-in-law are also dispatched as Mrs. Newsome's ambassadors to make certain that Chad returns to America. She and Mr. Waymarsh join forces to separate Chad and Mme de Vionnet.
James Pocock, Sarah's husband, who during Chad Newsome's absence is in control of the Newsome mills. He enjoyshistriptoParis,sympathizes with Chad, and becomes Lambert Strether's tacit ally.
Mamie Pocock, James Pocock's younger sister, the girl Mrs. Newsome has selected as a suitable wife for her son. Although she accompanies her brother and his wife on their mission to persuade Chad Newsome to return, she loses her personal interest in the young man after meeting John Little Bilham. Little Bilham's announced intention of marrying Mamie helps Chad solve his own problems of loyalty and love in his affair with Mme de Vionnet.
Jeanne de Vionnet, Mme de Vionnet's daughter. For a time, society assumed that Chad Newsome might be in love with the daughter. Jeanne becomes engaged to M. de Montbron.
M. Gloriani, a sculptor, Mme de Vionnet's friend, famous in the artistic and fashionable circles of Parisian society.
Mme Gloriani, his lovely wife.