Feminine Transit: the condition of women and the development of consciousness in selected novels of Henry James

Abstract

The works of Henry James are concerned with human relations as they manifest themselves within the social structures that we identify as 'civilization.' In his novels James depicts nineteenth century and early twentieth century Western European society wherein the imposition of 'culture' upon 'nature' is a process that arises as a consequence of humankind's inherited traditions. The social structures that comprise civilization as we know it are artificial constructions wherein codes of conduct are devised which act as forms of restraint upon 'primitive' natural instincts. Furthermore, these codes of conduct provide the means of 'refining' individual energies by placing human activity within a frame of reference that embraces ethical values and aesthetic ideals. A system of beliefs is thereby established and social control is maintained by means of hegemony - a network of religious, political and economic forces in the guise of public institutions that combine with ideological and cultural assumptions to create a complex web of internal and external 'realities'. Thus, a world-view or 'social reality' is promulgated by the hegemony of a ruling class, the aim of which is to direct the behaviour of individuals in such a way as to preserve class distinctions and retain existing power bases. Simultaneously it ensures (or seeks to ensure) that, within certain prescribed boundaries, individuals in society might co-exist with some degree of harmony and mutual benefit. The civilization that Henry James depicts in his novels comprises a rich culture in the form of aristocratic traditions belonging to the old world societies of England and Europe. In contrast to this cultural heritage, James also explores the values and beliefs of the 'new world', which are located for him primarily in the principles and practices of American democracy.