The Europeans

Henry James released his little novel The Europeans: A Sketch in 1878. In essence it is a comedy that contrasts the actions and viewpoints of two European tourists with those of their relatives who reside in the new world of New England. The Atlantic Monthly published the serialized version of the book from July to October of 1878. The story begins in Boston and New England in the middle of the 19th century and details the transition from the old to the new world for two European siblings. Eugenia Münster and Felix Young the two protagonists have been traveling between France Italy and Germany since they were young children.The patriarchal Mr. Wentworth his son Clifford 20 and his two daughters Gertrude and Charlotte captivate Felix. In contrast to Felix who is content to accept the gift of a little house but values his independence Eugenias response is different. Her brother on the other hand is perfectly content to spend all of his time with Charlotte and Gertrude spending countless hours painting portraits in their piazza or garden.