The Sacred Fount
by Henry James
'The Sacred Fount ' Summary
As he waits for the train to take him to a weekend party in the country, the narrator notices that Gilbert Long seems much more assured and lively than before. He also sees that Mrs. Brissenden (nicknamed "Mrs. Briss") is much younger-looking than her husband, though she's actually ten years older. The narrator begins to theorize that Long and Mrs. Briss are getting their vitality, vampire-like, from the "sacred fount" of their sexual partners' energy. At first, the narrator theorizes that the source of Long's newfound assurance and intelligence is a certain Lady John.
Later he changes his mind, as he constantly discusses his ideas with others at the party, particularly an artist, Ford Obert. The narrator notices that another woman at the party, May Server, seems listless, and he starts to wonder if she may be the lover providing vitality to Long. Eventually, the narrator begins to construct enormously elaborate theories of who is taking vitality from whom, and whether some people are acting as screens for the real lovers. In a long midnight confrontation with Mrs. Briss which concludes the novel, she says the narrator's theories are ridiculous, and he has completely misread the actual relationships of their fellow guests. She finishes by telling him he's crazy, and that last word leaves the narrator dismayed and overwhelmed.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
EnglishPublished In
1901Genre/Category
Tags/Keywords
Author
Henry James
America, Britain
Henry James was born in New York City on April 15, 1843, into a wealthy and intellectually stimulating family. His father, Henry James Sr., was a Swedenborgian philosopher and his mother, Mary Roberts...
More on Henry JamesDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
- Select Speed
Related books
Henrietta Temple by Benjamin Disraeli
Henrietta Temple is a semi-autobiographical novel and the author's first true success. Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield and later British Prime...
Rose Cottingham by Netta Syrett
It is an engaging and captivating book that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of friendship. Written with empath...
Say and Seal, Volume 2 by Anna Bartlett Warner
The arrival of a new schoolteacher causes quite a stir in the small New England town of Pattaquasset, not the least of it in the house of Mrs. Derrick...
Sir Dominick Ferrand by Henry James
"Levity" is not a word often applied to Henry James, but this story has about it an attractively lighthearted quality. It tells of Peter Baron, a poor...
The Twilight of the Souls by Louis Couperus
This is a compelling novel that delves into the complexities of human emotions and the intricacies of relationships. Written by the renowned Dutch aut...
Lover or Friend by Rosa Nouchette Carey
It follows the story of two sisters, one of whom must choose between a romantic relationship with a wealthy suitor and her deep friendship with a devo...
The Diary of a Birthday Doll by Ethel Dow
Embark on a whimsical journey with "The Diary of a Birthday Doll" by Ethel Dow, where enchantment meets reality. In a world where dolls come to life,...
His Wisdom, the Defender: A Story by Simon Newcomb
It tells the story of a young man named John Marbury, who seeks to defend his faith against the skepticism and doubt of the scientific community. Set...
The Friendship of Anne: A Story by Ellen Douglas Deland
In the enchanting novel "The Friendship of Anne: A Story," penned by the brilliant Ellen Douglas Deland, secrets intertwine with the delicate threads...
The Jolly Parisiennes and Other Novelettes by Emile Zola
What if you could peek behind the curtain of Parisian high society and see what really goes on? The Jolly Parisiennes and Other Novelettes by Émile Z...
Reviews for The Sacred Fount
No reviews posted or approved, yet...