Henry James's "Poor Sensitive Gentlemen" and the Quest for Meaning (and Happiness) in Three Late Tales: "The Altar of the Dead," "The Beast in the Jungle," and "The Jolly Corner"

Abstract

In "The Altar of the Dead," "The Beast in the Jungle," and "The Jolly Corner," three gentlemen engage in an intense quest for meaning and purpose, only to discover the self's most hidden and unacknowledged dimension—its fundamental lack. This lack is exposed through an intricate relationship between each character and an enigmatic female guide. The guide bears a striking resemblance to Constance Fenimore Woolson, suggestively echoing James's own struggle to come to terms with an intimate friendship. Each tale charts a quest, an evasion, a refusal and then, a subtle acceptance, resulting in a moment of painful joy that may be understood as happiness.