The Ambassadors is a novel by Henry James, first published as a serial in The North American Review in 1903 and then as a book later that year. The narrative centers on Lambert Strether, a middle-aged American who is sent to Europe by his wealthy fiancée to retrieve her son, Chad Newsome. Amid the elegant backdrop of European high society, Strether grapples with cultural differences, moral dilemmas, and personal awakening. The novel examines the clash between Old and New World values and the complexities of personal and cultural identity. Explore a plot summary, important quotes, and an in-depth analysis of Lewis Lambert Strether

Summary

Read our full plot summary and analysis of The Ambassadors, chapter by chapter break-downs, and more.

Characters

See a complete list of the characters in The Ambassadors and in-depth analyses of Lewis Lambert Strether, Madame Marie de Vionnet, Miss Maria Gostrey, and Chadwick Newsome.

Literary Devices

Here's where you'll find analysis of the literary devices in The Ambassadors, from the major themes to motifs, symbols, and more.

Quotes

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Quick Quizzes

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Essays

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Further Study

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