Today, my contribution is just a quotation from Henry James's The Portrait of a Lady that struck me when I was recently reading the novel for the first time. The speakers are Ralph Touchett (whom I've added to my list of Prince Charmings) and Isabel Archer; the subject of discussion is an English lord with "radical" sensibilities.". . . He's a man with a great position who's playing all sorts of tricks with it. He doesn't take himself seriously." "Does he regard himself as a joke?" "Much worse; he regards himself as an imposition -- as an abuse.""Well, perhaps he is," said Isabel. "Perhaps he is -- though on the whole I don't think so. But in that case what's more pitiable than a sentient, self-conscious abuse planted by other hands, deeply rooted but aching with a sense of its injustice? For me, in his place, I could be as solemn as a statue of Buddha. He occupies a position that appeals to my imagination. Great responsibilities, great opportunities, great consideration, great wealth, great power, a natural share in the public affairs of a great country. But he's all in a muddle about himself, his position, his power, and indeed about everything in the world. He's the victim of a critical age; he has ceased to believe in himself and he doesn't know what to believe in. When I attempt to tell him (because if I were he I know very well what I should believe in) he calls me a pampered bigot. I believe he seriously thinks me an awful Phili ...
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