Abstract
This study examines two literary worlds fashioned by epic authors Machado de Assis and Henry James. In the novels Esaú e Jacó (1904) and The Ambassadors (1903), the writers explore the theme of ambassadorship. In these two texts, key characters act as emissaries. Councilor Aires, Lambert Strether, and Sarah Pocock discover that ambassadorial service brings with it many complication Each of them fulfills his or her mission in a particular way and does so with difs. fering motives. For these three individuals, access to and interpretation of information becomes decisive in fulfilling their respective commissions. This information circulates in distinct ways, yet the ability to access and understand the information depends on each ambassador's social and cultural "capital", as can be seen in the theories of Pierre Bourdieu.
Highlights
This study examines two literary worlds fashioned by epic authors Machado de Assis and Henry James
Key characters act as emissaries
This information circulates in distinct ways, yet the ability to access and understand the information depends on each ambassador's social and cultural "capital", as can be seen in the theories of Pierre Bourdieu
Summary
The flow of information in the Machadian and Jamesian worlds takes on a distinct meaning when seen through the lens of Bourdieu's concept of capital, which http://machadodeassis.net/revista/numero13/rev_num13_artigo06.pdf Fundação Casa de Rui Barbosa – R. As the editor of the humble yet noted Review, Strether enjoys a certain social standing in his native place: his position reflects his ties to an important "Woollett swell," Mrs Newsome, and access to her resources.. As the editor of the humble yet noted Review, Strether enjoys a certain social standing in his native place: his position reflects his ties to an important "Woollett swell," Mrs Newsome, and access to her resources.8 She instead allies with the respectable, hidebound Waymarsh—another traveler from Masachussetts and Strether's friend—knowing that Waymarsh possesses inside information and shares her views Despite her confederate Waymarsh's recommendations, and her own determination, Mrs Pocock's social and cultural wealth do not serve her well in Paris. Of Paris, with its rules and social mores, her homegrown savoir faire, like Strether's, proves inadequate to "play the game" as Bourdieu would say. Successfully maneuvering the French socialscape and accessing information requires new strategies and careful negotiations
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