The Spoils of Poynton (Classics S)

by David Lodge (Editor), David Lodge (Introduction), Patricia Crick (Editor), Henry James (Author), David Lodge (Editor), David Lodge (Introduction)

• Used

  Paperback
  1987

  $3.25

  Mrs Gereth is convinced that Fleda Vetch would make the perfect daughter-in-law. Only the dreamy, highly-strung young woman can genuinely appreciate, and perhaps eventually share, Mrs Gereth's passion for her 'things' - the antique treasures she has amassed at Poynton Park in the south of England. Owen Gereth, however, has inconveniently become engaged to the uncultured Mona Brigstock. As a dramatic family quarrel unfolds, the hesitating Fleda is drawn in, yet she remains reluctant to captivate Owen, who seems as attracted to her as she is to him. Is she motivated by scruple or fear? In The Spoils of Poynton (1897) , Henry James created a work of exquisite ambiguity in his depiction of three women fighting for the allegiance of one weak-willed man.

• Used

  Paperback
  1982

  $3.25

  Only she can genuinely appreciate, and perhaps eventually share, Mrs. Gereth's own passion for the exquisite antique treasures she has amassed at Poynton Park. Her son Owen, though, has engaged himself to be married to the embarrassingly nouveau philistine Mona Brigstock.A dramatic family quarrel unfolds, drawing Fleda, James's hesitating heroine, into its heart. Why is it that Fleda seems to be incapable of capturing Owen, remaining silent while her love for him is so evidently returned? Is she motivated by scruple or perversity? Is hers a true renunciation or dilhemma springing fromm sexual ignorance or neurosis?