Chapter 13 The Perfection of Human Society (1864) Summary

Charles Francis Adams' success in the Battle of the Rams leads to a sort of official recognition of the American Legation as members of the Opposition, which grants them a higher social position and greater respect. Henry Adams' role, however, is still undefined. He exists in London as a son, a private secretary, a young man, but never as a diplomat.

His next education is in English social life. In English society, foreigners expect to be snubbed, and Adams has no idea how to ingratiate himself. He finds English society to be old-fashioned, not fit for 1870 or 1900. There are many subdivisions, all of which are closed to him. As he has no real social interests, such as, for example, English sporting life, he has both no way and no reason to enter proper...