The Pupil Henry James Analysis

In the opening passage of the short story, “The Pupil,” Henry James depicts three characters: Pemberton, Mrs. Moreen, and Morgan Moreen. Behind James's depiction lies a satirical commentary of the social hierarchy of his time revealed through an omniscient narrator. His diction and contrasting relationships between Pemberton and the Moreens create a tone that mocks much of the feelings between the social classes of James’ day. Using small details, James paints the characters of the Moreens as extravagantly wealthy, but lacking the refinement of high class. Mrs. Moreen’s lack of concern over Pemberton’s salary and tendency to speak “only of feelings,” gives an indication that money is not an issue. However, a mocking tone sets in when she is drawing “gants de Suede” that are soiled. This indicates that, though she seeks a high-class persona, she falls far short of attaining it. Her son fairs no better in level the of class. Morgan Moreen is shown to be improper and impolite. The first thing Pemberton notices is that he would have to “teach his little charge… to address himself… not to make an improper answer as that,” indicating the boy is generally rude while …show more content…
While Mrs. Moreen thinks nothing of money, money is all Pemberton can think of. However, due to social intimidation, “the poor young man hesitated and procrastinated” asking about money. In other words, he was too scared to ask the simple question about his salary outright. Pemberton, although acknowledging his weakness and poor temperament, is insecure about his intelligence compared to Morgan fearing that the “small scholar might prove cleverer than himself.” Morgan is a sick, impolite young boy, but Pemberton is still intimidated by the boy's presence. This emphasizes the relationships between social classes as higher classes were thought of as innately greater than lower

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The Pupil Henry Jame Analysis