Henry James Goes to the Opera

Abstract

Henry James uses operatic scenes and performance throughout his fiction, from early novels such as The American and The Portrait of a Lady , to later stories including “A London Life,” “Collaboration,” and “The Velvet Glove.” Embedded in many of these works is a fascination with the operatic prima donna as part of a strong performative element.

Keywords

• opera
• opera box
• performance
• the gaze
• "the american"
• "the portrait of a lady"
• henry james