The Importance Of Setting In 'The Pupil' By Henry James

Many novels, poems, and other forms of literature depend heavily on setting to establish the plot and meaning. While physical plot is very important, the emotional setting of literature, created through the engagements and relationships between characters, is also just as impactful. In the opening passage of “The Pupil”, author Henry James establishes the physical and emotional setting of his novel. James creates the later of the two through his use of critical diction, point of view, and euphemisms, which all combine to create a relationship between Pemberton, Morgan, and Mrs. Moreen of differing socioeconomic levels. Through the use of disdainful diction, James depicts Pemberton as intimidated and pitiful in his encounter with Mrs. Moreen

Through this point of view, Pemberton’s nervousness is magnified because only his side of the engagement is being expressed. The 3rd person limited perspective doesn’t express Mrs. Moreen’s thoughts and views, but only her actions and words that Pemberton perceives. For example, the narration reveals that Pemberton “would have liked to hear the figure of his salary” and thought when Mrs. Moreen asked Morgan to leave the room, “it was precisely to approach the delicate subject of his remuneration”. Because the 3rd person narration is limited to Pemberton, only Mrs. Moreen’s response of “oh, I can assure you that all that will be quite regular” is expressed. This results in Pemberton’s inhibitions and timid nature being magnified, while Mrs. Moreen appears confident, calm, and sophisticated. Additionally, the juxtaposition of Pemberton’s nervousness and Morgan’s confidence in his own home and around his own mother amplifies Pemberton’s inferiority to the Moreen family. In this excerpt, James utilizes a 3rd person point of view that is limited to Pemberton’s perceptions to characterize him as insecure and timid in comparison to Mrs. Moreen and her