“Paste” by Henry James Essay Sample

those close to him when it was suggested that his step-mother obtained real pearls through socially unacceptable means and weighs five pounds.

James highlights and questions the trait of a man showering gifts beyond a woman's means based solely on her sexual attractiveness, deducing that the man's step-mother was such a recipient during her acting career. He contrasts the characters of Arthur and Charlotte to demonstrate the illogicality of defending sexual honor without evidence. Arthur, quick to anger over a barely implied threat to his step-mother's honor, fiercely defends against an imagined assault. In contrast, Charlotte remains calm and composed despite Arthur's anger and disrespect. This juxtaposition of emotions showcases James' critique of male behavior.

Repose highlights the illogicality of sexual honor. It suggests that the value that Arthur, a personification of adult males, places on it is insignificant after death. In regards to anti-intellectuals, Arnold criticized their tendency to suppress inconvenient truths, often resorting to emotional appeals rather than reason.

Referring to a certain example, symbol, or message that was convenient for their intentions, they have transformed into something else.

James chooses to discuss the character's sexual honor, which is deceased, considering that they are, in a sense, the most inaccessible to thoughts and the most impatient of them (Arnold 1959. 139-140).

The subject of discussion should revolve around whether James' ideas relate to the broader concept of reputation in line with societal norms or specifically the term of sexual honor. This is important because although sexual honor can be seen as a standalone idea, it can also be perceived as a subsidiary concept that James uses to convey his thoughts on man's innate desire to

conform to societal norms. This desire is so strong that individuals continue to uphold these norms even when faced with circumstances, such as death, that undermine their significance.

The second ethical concern regarding humanity is centered around guilt, which, much like honor, encompasses a sense of wrongdoing and responsibility. This can be seen in the following exchange:

“It is as if they knew it- they’re more and more alive. But so much the worse for the both of us! I can’t.” she brought out with an attempt. “be silent.” “You mean to return them?” “If I don’t I’m a thief” (James 1909).

James presents another perspective on the world that raises questions about the state of affairs in the text. It is common in real life to feel guilty about acquiring valuable goods from someone who did not know their true worth. However, James challenges the reader to consider the values that society places on guilt and ownership. He demonstrates this by questioning established norms, specifically in Charlotte's case, by showing why guilt is illogical. For example, consider the pearls.

The pearls that were previously neglected and deemed harmful due to their living nature, have now been transferred to an owner who is willing to care for them. In his Second Treatise of Civil Government, John Locke referenced the importance of attending to such items that require generous attention. (Source: http://www.constitution.org/jl/2ndtr05)

According to htm tags, it can be said that the labor of his physical body and his hands rightfully belong to him. However, anything he takes from the state of nature is not his.

He has combined his efforts with something that is truly his own,

thus making it his property.

According to Locke's 1689 work in chapter 5 subdivision 27, it can be argued that Charlotte should not feel guilty about owning something she has acquired through her own efforts. This suggests that the question of honor must be reconsidered.

Instead of guilt being a primary concern, it is another avenue for James to express his appearance in the face of societal norms. Regarding guilt, it would manifest as Charlotte's natural inclination or subconscious motivation to avoid being judged negatively. Similarly, Arthur fiercely defended his step-mother to protect her honor and reputation. However, it could be argued that simply highlighting the tendencies of human nature is merely observational and does not contribute much to a deeper understanding of humanity.

Matthew Arnold, as cited by William A. Madden, emphasized the significance of the first steps in changing social traditions such as honor. He recognized two approaches in the field of knowledge: the analytic, which seeks to draw precise conclusions through scientific investigation, and the dialectic, which concerns itself more with the philosophical and metaphysical applications to reality. Arnold believed that the technical findings of science must ultimately be integrated into a philosophical perspective that affords them meaning and relevance. Therefore, James’ observations should not be underestimated merely because they diverge from scientific analytical methods.

The most significant insights originate from pure philosophical concepts. Nevertheless, it is crucial to distinguish between observations made for entertainment purposes and those made for personal growth, as one cannot address a problem if one is unaware of its existence. In his essay on the Great Tradition, F.R. Leavis commented on Charles Dickens, stating that "while Dickens was undoubtedly a great

genius and a lasting classic, his genius lay more in his capacity to entertain than in any deeper creative responsibility."

According to Leavis in 1948, his evaluation of Dickens is that the observations made lack the desire or capacity for moral growth in society. In Leavis' viewpoint, this reduces them to mere entertainment. Despite Leavis having previously included James in the "Great tradition," this should not influence how others approach Paste.

Leavis once commented that a "tradition" does not necessarily mean a consensus (Leavis 1974, 147). However, James' emphasized observations regarding the human condition, which includes honor, sexual honor, and guilt.

The artful and subtle nature of cunning is not overwhelming, as it does not come across as preaching or providing predetermined conclusions about the human condition. Rather, it invites us to consider our natural thoughts and actions in a literary and subjective manner, prompting exploration of morality. As evidence, consider the concluding passage: "She even went the length of inquiring herself what kind of deal Mrs. Guy had driven and whether the wonder of the acknowledgment to Bond Street had been a veracious history of the affair."

It occurred to Charlotte that she may have actually dealt with Arthur honestly, as she remembered having his reference mentioned in James’ writing (James 1909. 13). James’ inability to make a firm decision shows the lack of power in his writing, as he tries to amplify life and spread human values. Perhaps, James is trying to reflect the nature of life itself, where all stories are derived and there is no real definitive end.

It is definite that James is not currently working on any specific project, as indicated by his undecided

choice. The style of Paste seems to promote a particular type of moral storytelling that emphasizes guidance rather than growth. The distinction lies in how the reader's freewill is valued and prioritized by the author.

James' argument of composing without supervision is strongly advocated. Nonetheless, the interpretation of this text should not be influenced by other literary conventions. As previously mentioned, the effectiveness of a literary piece can only be extracted from its existence in a temporal and timeless space. The use of pastiche plays a significant role in creating exceptional literature.

This text emphasizes the importance of humanitarianism, particularly in challenging commonly held beliefs related to honor, sexuality, guilt, ownership, and social norms.

J.D. Jump referred to Matthew Arnold's inaugural reference being published in a magazine, stating that Arnold described the modern spirit as belonging to those individuals who...

James shows a desire to comprehend the present by being aware of the past and by gaining a logical understanding of the facts. Arnold (cited in Jump 1955. 117) notes that this is an important part of having a modern spirit, which James displays through his persistent questioning and scrutiny of traditional aspects of human behavior.

The unnoticeable manner of James complements his work, putting forth an unassuming presentation that fosters reader receptiveness. This is further reinforced by James' sincerity in crafting his characters and their corresponding responses.

Arthur's anger and Charlotte's sense of guilt are consistent with the majority of the world. Bibliography: Primary texts - James, Henry. Paste. Ed.

Madden and Scott V.

The book titled "Studies in the Short Story" was published in New York by CBS College Publishing in 1984. The information is presented within

HTML p tags.

With an introduction and annotations by E., the book "Arnold. Matthew. Arnold. Poetry and Prose with William Watson’s Poem and Essays by Lionel Johnson and H. W Garrod" comprises of secondary texts.

H Chambers' publication, titled "London" and published in 1959 by Oxford University Press, emphasizes the importance of the city.

Jump, a novel by J. D. Matthew Arnold, published in London.

Leavis's work was published by Longmans, Green and Co in 1955.

London's F. R. Letters received a negative assessment.

Chatto and Windus published The Common Pursuit by F. R. Leavis in London in 1974.

Chatto and Windus published F. R. Leavis' book "The Great Tradition" in 1972.

London's publishing house, Chatto and Windus, released a book titled "Locke" in 1948.

February 2006 saw the release of John's Second Treatise of Civil Government, which can be found at hypertext transfer protocol://www.

Visit fundamental law.org/jl/2ndtr05.htm for information on William A. Madden's analysis of Matthew Arnold's Aesthetic Temperament in Victorian England, as detailed in the book "A Survey of Aesthetic Temperament in Victorian England" published in London.

Important note from Indiana University in 1967.