Volume One, Book First, Chapter 1 Summary

Henry James' novel "The Golden Bowl" tells the story of the marriage of two couples and the impact the prior relationships of these couples have on each other. The story revolves around a beautiful, but cracked, golden bowl and the secrets this bowl allows to surface. Maggie, the heroine of the book, goes into full battle mode to keep her husband, but protect others from her knowledge of an adulterous affair. As the novel ends, all Maggie's husband can see is her, proving to Maggie that her battle and the sacrifices that were made were worth her efforts.

This introductory chapter opens with the Prince visiting some of his favorite places in London while contemplating his upcoming marriage. The idea of language is discussed between Maggie and the Prince. While Maggie is ashamed of how...