Henry James Writing Styles in The Jolly Corner

This Study Guide consists of approximately 68 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Jolly Corner.

Henry James Writing Styles in The Jolly Corner

This Study Guide consists of approximately 68 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Jolly Corner.
This section contains 449 words
(approx. 2 pages at 400 words per page)
Buy The Jolly Corner Study Guide

Point of View and Narration

In "The Jolly Corner," the narrator is nearly omniscient, relating exactly what Spencer sees, thinks, and feels. However, this perspective is a limited one. For example, Alice's opinions are presented by Spencer; all impressions of her character— as well as others— are presented through him.

Also, at a few points in the story the narrator addresses the reader directly, implying perhaps a collaboration between the reader and narrator. Another narrative technique utilized by James is the slightly different narrative tone used for the different sections of the story. In the second section, Spencer wanders the house alone and the narrative voice nearly becomes his point of view. In the first and third sections, the narrator is more objective in explaining not only Spencer's impressions but other characters' actions and opinions.

Setting

The story takes place around the year 1908, shortly after James visited...

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This section contains 449 words
(approx. 2 pages at 400 words per page)
Buy The Jolly Corner Study Guide
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The Jolly Corner from Gale. ©2005-2006 Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation. All rights reserved.