The American Study Guide & Plot Synopsis

The American Plot Summary

Preview of The American Summary:

In the novel The American by Henry James, American Christopher Newman learns firsthand how cruel a society can be when one's worth is based on name and lineage rather than an individual's characteristics. In Newman's case, he is denied the right to marry the lady of his choice because she is an aristocrat and he is not of royal bloodlines. The novel illustrates the great differences in the French and American cultures in the mid-nineteenth century.

At the beginning of the novel, Newman is attempting to enjoy his leisure in The Louvre in Paris. Although he knows little French, Newman approaches a young lady, Mademoiselle Noemie Nioche, copying a painting in the museum and offers to buy her work from her. Although she quotes him an exorbitant charge, Newman agrees to buy the painting. In exchange, Noemie's father agrees also to give Newman lessons in French conversation. As Newman...
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