The Lesson of the Master by Henry James

7/10

I liked this short story much better than "The Turn of the Screw". The story had an interesting plot, and the characters were well-developed for a short story. The love triangle between St. George, Paul and Miss Fancourt was intriguing given the choice Miss Fancourt had: a well-established artist who was way past his prime artistically and an intelligent, poor up-and-comer. The ending is thought provoking. By taking St. George's advice, Paul loses Miss Fancourt to his "master" but gains a great novel. I think it is funny and ironic that Paul waits for St. George to produce a great, new novel. He waits for the "master" to triumph by getting the girl and the great novel. Overall, I would recommend reading this short story, though it was hard to read at times.