"The Europeans" by Henry James: To what extent is "The Europeans" an expression of James's quest for a synthesis of the two qualities, the 'good' (Americans) and the 'beautiful' (Europeans)?

In "The Europeans", the Americans (symbolized by the Wentworths) are Puritans who abide by strict Puritan rules, which promote the Puritan way of life. The Europeans, on the other hand (symbolized by Eugenia and Felix), are not Puritans but are sophisticated, opportunistic, and sometimes lax in their way of life. This sometimes causes confusion and conflict when their lives are enmeshed. But it also sometimes brings about an understanding, respect, tolerance and appreciation of one …

…morality. In the meetings of opposing values, those of New England emerge as superior to those in Europe. However, neither set of values is depicted in black and white. Bibliography * De Jager, L. 2004. Departemental Notes - The Europeans. * Gard, R. 1968. Henry James, The Critical Heritage. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd. * James, H. 1995. The Europeans. London: Penguin Books Ltd. * Powers, L. 1970. Henry James - An Introdution and Interpretation. USA: Barnes & Noble, Inc.