Abstract

This work represents an effort to illuminate the obscure philosophies of Henry James, Sr. and perhaps repudiate some of the darker "accusations" that have been levied against his philosophy by providing a new insight into the mind of this multifaceted thinker. Secondarily, I intend this work to invigorate the study of the elder Henry's written works by reintroducing his writings as part of a continuum of thought originating with his philosophical/theological expeditions and extending to the fiction of the younger James. ;The focus of my text includes a reexamination of the biographical details of the elder James and an in-depth study of his philosophical essays and theological discussions. This study also examines the existing body of literary theory surrounding James's work while concurrently expounding on contemporary criticism and reviews of his work in periodicals of his day. ;The work also attempts to anchor James's views both socially and historically by examining the prevailing social views of his time concerning the subject matter of his theories. This examination includes the review of social materials from the journals in which he wrote as well as other forms of social commentary from that time. Also, the examination delves briefly into other, more famous authors and essayists of the time, exposing their views of James's subject matter. As part of this review, the discussion also touches more generally on the writings and expositions of the younger Henry, examining both his works in light of his father's philosophy in an effort to revitalize the relationship between the two writers. ;Finally, this effort attempts to discuss James from a hitherto unexplored perspective based on a revisiting of his original texts and biographical data through the avenue of Lacanian psychoanalysis. The purpose of this new perspective is to allow James's works and actions to reveal the true nature of the writer and his philosophy. Ultimately, the entirety of this work exists to provide a foundation from which to catch a glimpse of a unique individual too often skimmed over due to the complicated themes of his work and the more widely recognized creations of his sons.