Ethical Criticism On Henry James' Female Subject Novels In His Early Period

Henry James is an important heir to the "Great Tradition" in the history of English and American literature, which relates not only to the tradition of literature, but also that of the social morality. In his long writing career life, he strictly observes the following goal: in terms of form, he explores the appropriate narrative techniques in the art of fiction to express humanity and morality; while in terms of content, as a highly responsible novelist, he endeavors to excavate the deeper moral meaning that lies behind society and humanity.It is widely known that Henry James favors female subject. The heroines in his works always bear the responsibility of enlightening and softening men, for he thinks that American women are superior to men both in courage and self-cultivation. Based on the text of James' six female subject novels in his early period - Madam De Mauves (1874), Four meetings (1877), An International Episode (1878), Daisy Miller (1879), Washington Square (1880) and The Portrait of a Lady (1881), and on the ground of ethical criticism, this dissertation analyses the narrative techniques of James in the light of his narrative ethics; it also expounds James's own moral view and the ethical themes in his early novels.Henry James is worthy of being reread. His deep perceptive and acute art design brings ethical enjoyment in narrative techniques to readers, and also leads them to infinite ethical introspection.