By
Raymond Barglow
Berkeley, CA
Abstract:
Henry James’ narratives penned at the turn of the 20th century give expression to ideas that psychoanalysts—Heinz Kohut for notable example—elaborated decades later. This article focuses on the lives of three women in James’ novels. Although they experience the opportunities available to them in very different ways, what any of them can realistically hope for is shaped by a conventionally gendered code of conduct in late-19th century Victorian England. And for all three it is empathic connection to others that enables their awareness of the code and the resistance that they put up against it. James and Kohut both recognize, though, that what looks like empathy can serve aims of deception and exploitation. And that insight is relevant today: social media “personalize” and “attune” human relationships in ways that call for critical scrutiny. While James’ stories do not supply simple answers any more than self psychology does, they cast light on quandaries that remain consequential.
To cite as: Barglow, R. 2025, “Principles of Self Psychology in the Fiction of Henry James,” PsyArt 29.2, pp. 66-87.