The Europeans

Published in 1878, The Europeans is the second of Henry James’ international novels, exploring the cultural and psychological differences between his fellow countrymen and their European counterparts. Eugenia and Felix Young are expatriates who return to America to visit with their uncle, Mr. Wentworth, in Boston in the hope that Eugenia can make a suitable marriage with a wealthy American and Felix can pursue an artistic career. Though they are native born, the Youngs have absorbed European values and ways of looking at the world, and the novel traces their differences with the children of Mr. Wentworth (Gertrude, Charlotte and Clifford) as Eugenia maneuvers to ensnare a rich suitor.