Henry James and the Promise of Fiction

The novel "Henry James and the Promise of Fiction" explores the relationship between James's ethical vision and his densely metaphorical style, experiments with narrative time, and radical reimagining of perspective, arguing that his formal experimentation contributes to ethical thought.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The relationship between the novel and ethical thought is a complex and multifaceted subject that has been explored by numerous scholars and thinkers throughout history. In his book "Henry James and the Promise of Fiction," Stuart Burrows argues that the key to understanding this relationship lies not in the content of a work of fiction, but in its form. Burrows explores the connection between James's ethical vision and his densely metaphorical style, his experiments with narrative time, and his radical reimagining of perspective.

One of the central themes of Burrows's book is the act of promising, which he sees as a fundamental aspect of moral philosophy. Promising, Burrows argues, involves making commitments to others and creating a sense of trust and reliability. James, Burrows suggests, was deeply interested in the nature of promise and its implications for ethical behavior.

Through his writing, James explored the complexities of human relationships and the ways in which promises can both enhance and undermine them. He examined the ways in which promises can create obligations and responsibilities, as well as the ways in which they can be broken or betrayed. James also explored the moral implications of different types of promises, such as those made in love, friendship, and business.

One of the key insights of Burrows's book is that James's formal experimentation represents a significant contribution to ethical thought in its own right. Burrows argues that James's use of metaphor, narrative time, and perspective reimagining allowed him to explore ethical themes in new and innovative ways. By challenging traditional moral frameworks and exploring the complexities of human relationships, James's writing contributed to a deeper understanding of ethical principles and their application in everyday life.

In addition to his exploration of the act of promising, Burrows also examines the relationship between James's ethical vision and his broader literary and cultural context. He explores the influence of moral philosophy on James's writing, as well as the ways in which James's writing influenced the development of ethical thought in subsequent generations.

Overall, "Henry James and the Promise of Fiction" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between the novel and ethical thought. By exploring the ways in which James's writing contributes to our understanding of ethical principles and their application in everyday life, Burrows provides a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies and moral philosophy.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 159 x 237 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009419697