The Spoils of Poynton
Henry James
Belletristik / Gemischte Anthologien
Beschreibung
"The Spoils of Poynton" is a novel written by Henry James, first published in 1897. It's one of James' later works and is considered one of his major novels.
The story revolves around Mrs. Gereth, a widow who becomes embroiled in a bitter conflict over the ownership of the Poynton estate and its valuable contents, particularly its collection of fine art and furniture. When Mrs. Gereth's son Owen becomes engaged to a young woman named Mona Brigstock, Mrs. Gereth is determined to prevent her son's marriage from leading to the dispersal of the Poynton treasures.
"The Spoils of Poynton" is celebrated for its exploration of themes such as possessiveness, materialism, and the clash of aesthetic values. The novel's characters are intricately drawn, and its dialogue is marked by James' characteristic wit and insight.
While "The Spoils of Poynton" was not as commercially successful as some of James' other works at the time of its publication, it has since come to be recognized as one of his finest achievements. The novel is admired for its psychological depth, its keen observations of human behavior, and its subtle exploration of moral and ethical dilemmas.