679 The Jolly Corner by Henry James - Part 1

Feb 17, 2025

Dive into the nostalgic world of Henry James and his complex feelings about his American roots. Explore Spencer Bryden's emotional return to a dramatically changed New York after 33 years. Unpack the rich themes of memory and identity as he reflects on a significant historic house, the Jolly Corner. Witness a deep conversation between Bryden and Miss Staverton, as they confront life choices, ambitions, and regrets. The haunting presence of the past looms large, creating a captivating interplay of sentiment and legacy.

01:15:52

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Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 13min

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A Return to a Transformed New York: Reflections on Change and Nostalgia

12:53 • 11min

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Exploring the Depths of Experience in 'The Jolly Corner'

23:37 • 3min

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Nostalgia and Ambition in Property Management

26:38 • 20min

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Sentiment and Legacy in a Historic House

46:56 • 3min

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Conversations on Identity and Regret

50:07 • 20min

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Intrigue and Unspoken Connections in The Jolly Corner

01:10:24 • 3min

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The Wings of the Dove

Henry James

The novel revolves around the lives of Kate Croy, Merton Densher, and Milly Theale, whose paths intersect due to their ambitions and the manipulations of those around them. Kate and Densher, who are engaged but lack the financial means to marry, become entangled in a complex web of relationships when they meet Milly, a rich American heiress suffering from a serious illness. The story explores themes of love, wealth, and societal expectations, highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate their personal happiness and financial security. The novel is known for its nuanced character portrayals and its use of metaphorical signification, particularly through water symbolism and structural biaxiality.

The jolly corner

Henry James

Henry James's "The Jolly Corner" delves into the psychological journey of Spencer Bryden, a man returning to his childhood home in New York after a long absence. The story masterfully blends realism and psychological suspense, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the confrontation with one's past self. Bryden's encounter with his 'other self' symbolizes the potential paths not taken and the complexities of self-discovery. The narrative's ambiguity leaves the reader questioning the nature of reality and the power of imagination. Ultimately, the story is a profound exploration of identity and the impact of time and change.

The Portrait Of A Lady

Henry James

The novel follows Isabel Archer, a young American woman who inherits a fortune and travels to Europe. There, she rejects several marriage proposals, including those from Lord Warburton and Caspar Goodwood, in favor of maintaining her independence. However, she is manipulated by Madame Merle and Gilbert Osmond into a marriage that proves disastrous. Osmond, a collector of art objects, sees Isabel as another piece to add to his collection, and their marriage is marked by his cold and manipulative nature. The novel explores themes of personal freedom, responsibility, and the complexities of human relationships.

The Golden Bowl

Henry James

Published in 1904, 'The Golden Bowl' by Henry James is a complex and intense study of marriage and adultery. The novel revolves around Adam Verver, a wealthy American widower, and his daughter Maggie, who live in Europe and are deeply involved in art collecting. Maggie is engaged to Prince Amerigo, an impoverished Italian nobleman, through the arrangements of the manipulative Fanny Assingham. Unbeknownst to Maggie, Amerigo had a past relationship with Charlotte Stant, a friend of Maggie's, which is rekindled after Maggie and Amerigo's marriage. When Maggie discovers the truth through a gilded crystal bowl with a hidden flaw, she must navigate the intricate web of relationships and secrets within her family. The novel delves deeply into the consciousness of its central characters, offering powerful insights into their thoughts and feelings.

Although the writer Henry James (1843-1916) was born in New York City's Washington Square, he spent most of his adulthood in Europe, where he wrote such masterpieces as The Portrait of a Lady, The Wings of the Dove, and The Golden Bowl. Late in life, he returned to New York after a thirty-three year absence to find the city much transformed, as skyscrapers and grand public buildings - museums and libraries and opera houses - now dominated the scene.

In this episode, Jacke reads and comments upon the opening of James's 1908 story "The Jolly Corner," in which a man revisits his childhood home in New York after a thirty-three year absence and finds himself chasing memories, ghosts, and other figments of his imagination.

Additional listening:

320 Henry James
509 The Figure in the Carpet by Henry James
414 Henry James's Golden Bowl (with Dinitia Smith)

The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com.

Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate. The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature.

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