The Pupil by Henry James
"The Pupil" by Henry James is a poignant short story that explores the complex dynamics between a tutor, Pemberton, and his young pupil, Morgan Moreen, who is burdened by a heart condition. Pemberton initially finds Morgan unappealing, but as their relationship develops, he becomes fond of the boy, unlike Morgan's neglectful and financially irresponsible family. The Moreens live a transient life, moving from place to place, which exacerbates their financial instability and ultimately leads to their eviction. Despite the chaos, Morgan longs for a life away from his parents, and he dreams of escaping with Pemberton. However, when the opportunity arises, it tragically coincides with Morgan's deteriorating health. The story raises themes of loyalty, love, and the impact of familial neglect, culminating in a heartbreaking conclusion that emphasizes the fragility of life and the consequences of one's choices. James crafts a narrative that is both a critique of parental responsibility and an exploration of the bond between teacher and student.
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The Pupil by Henry James
First published: 1891
Type of plot: Domestic realism
Time of work: The 1850's
Locale: Nice, Venice, and Paris
Principal Characters:
Pemberton , the tutorMorgan Moreen , his adolescent pupilMr. Moreen , Morgan's fatherMrs. Moreen , Morgan's mother
The Story
Needing money, Pemberton agrees to become the resident tutor of the eleven-year-old Morgan Moreen, whose heart condition prevents him from attending school. Pemberton's initial impression of Morgan is not favorable; though the child seems intelligent, he is not physically attractive and looks as if "he might be unpleasant."
Soon, though, Morgan is the only member of the family whom Pemberton does like. He must threaten to leave before the Moreens pay him even a portion of the salary they owe him, and eventually he tutors for free simply because he has grown fond of his pupil. They become so close that Pemberton suggests that they "ought to go off and live somewhere together."
Morgan is as eager as Pemberton to leave his family, whom both recognize as adventurers, gypsies who repeatedly move from city to city and hotel to hotel because they cannot or will not pay their bills. The family finances eventually become so desperate that, in Venice, Mrs. Moreen asks Pemberton to lend her sixty francs. Pemberton can only laugh. "Where in the world do you suppose I should get sixty francs?" he asks.
Immediately afterward, Pemberton is invited to return to England to tutor a rich but dull youth whose parents want to prepare him for Balliol College, Oxford. Pemberton accepts the appointment, at Morgan's urging, because he hopes to earn enough money to allow him to support Morgan.
The new post does indeed pay well, but Pemberton abandons it when Mrs. Moreen writes to him that Morgan is desperately ill. Arriving in Paris, Pemberton realizes that he has been tricked; Morgan has indeed been ill, but not so "desperately" as his mother pretended.
Despite the deception, Pemberton resumes his nonpaying post as tutor, though without enthusiasm. One afternoon in the winter, Pemberton and Morgan go for a walk. When they return, they find the Moreen family in turmoil, for they are being evicted for failing to pay their hotel bills. Mr. and Mrs. Moreen offer Morgan to Pemberton, for they no longer want the expense of rearing the child.
For Morgan, this rejection by his parents is the fulfillment of his dreams. He has never liked their ways and has yearned to go off with his tutor. His joy, however, is short-lived; the excitement kills him. True to their characters to the last, Mrs. Moreen blames Pemberton for having taken the child on too long a walk, and her husband claims that Morgan's heart was broken over the prospect of leaving his parents.
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