The Golden Bowl — Volume 2

"The Golden Bowl—Volume 2" by Henry James is a novel written during the early 20th century. The book delves into complex themes of love, marriage, and social dynamics, focusing primarily on the character Maggie Verver, who navigates the intricate relationships within her family and social circle after her marriage to Amerigo. At the start of the volume, we find Maggie grappling with her emotions and new circumstances following her husband's return from an excursion with her stepmother, Charlotte. The opening reveals Maggie’s introspective nature as she reflects on her sense of self and the changes in her life. This moment of quiet contemplation is juxtaposed with her excitement and longing for a deeper connection with Amerigo, highlighting her inner conflicts and the delicate balance of her familial relationships. Maggie's thoughts reveal both a burgeoning awareness of her desires and the complications inherent in her marriage, setting the stage for a rich exploration of how personal feelings intersect with social expectations. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henry James was an American-British author. He is regarded as a key transitional figure between literary realism and literary modernism, and is considered by many to be among the greatest novelists in the English language. He was the son of Henry James Sr. and the brother of philosopher and psychologist William James and diarist Alice James.