Theme of Evil in Henry James’s novels or fiction

Abstract

Abstract

Evil in Henry James’s fiction as it is embodied in concrete characters and situations. His concern with evil is a aspect of reality. Evil is an active and felt presence almost from the beginning, although the lurking beast remains half hidden from view. Evil in his fiction is not so much a problem as it is an ever present reality that cripples and destroys; it is present at the base of every human situation. His Villains are usually active; evil to him is a negative. Evil is unavoidable and universal, but it is centred in the human soul and manifests itself in the harmful domination of one person over another.