Page "Henry James" Paragraph 43

Just as the contrast between Europe and America was a predominant theme in James's early novels, many of his first tales also explored the clash between the Old World and the New.

In " A Passionate Pilgrim " ( 1871 ), the earliest fiction that James included in the New York Edition, the difference between America and Europe erupts into open conflict, which leads to a sadly ironic ending.

The story's technique still seems somewhat inexpert, with passages of local color description occasionally interrupting the flow of the narrative.

But James manages to craft an interesting and believable example of what he would call the " Americano-European legend ".