The Lesson of the Master is a novella by Henry James, author of Daisy Miller and The Turn Of The Screw. Published in 1888, this is a classic that has been continually printed for over 135 years.
Paul Overt is a young man of society, a writer of quality novels and a student of fine prose, who is eager to visit an English country house for the first time, where he hopes to meet his admired mentor, the famous writer Henry St. George. He is unimpressed with Mrs. St. George, but meets a young Miss Marion Fancourt, daughter of General Fancourt, who is full of critical intelligence and admiring of Overt's work. Paul, Marion, and Henry become new friends.
In London, Paul often meets with Marion and finds her refreshingly modern, full of encouragement for his writing - he is falling in love with her, and can envision a romantic future as her husband. Becoming closer friends with Henry, he sees another possibility of the future, for despite the great success of the master writer, the man feels shallow and sold out, his marriage and children draining him of all art or merit. Henry encourages Paul to devote all his energy to his writing, to produce great works he needs no distractions. Paul chooses to abruptly leave the country for two years and writes what he thinks is his best work. Returning to London, he expects to be welcomed back by Henry - now widowed - and goes directly to see Miss Fancourt - who is recently engaged to marry.
Which path is best for the artist - devote your self to the success of your art, or be content with mild success and success and family?
Paul may feel like he has been tricked by St. George - did Henry really believe that an artist must sacrifice, devote all his energy to produce great work, "of having drawn from his intellectual instrument the finest music that nature had hidden in it, of having played it as it should have been played.", or, was he misdirecting Paul out of personal jealousy as his own artistic work was diminished by the burden of supporting a family.
The reader is left to decide.
Daisy Miller has been growing in my estimation since I read it, and this was as well written, and of the same time. Not my favourite, but I will continue seeking Henry James out.
My other reviews of Henry James:
1888 / Hardcover / 95 pages
I haven't read anything by James except Turn of the Screw. This seems an interesting text.
neeru