Chapter 7 - The Faltering Style of Henry James

Summary

“HENRY JAMES’S PLAY FAILS,” exclaimed the New York Times on January 6, 1895, following the disastrous premier in London of James’s play, Guy Domville. “Although splendidly mounted and well acted,” ran the review, “it was a stupendous failure. Like the author’s novels, it is an analytical study of character. Perhaps in the form of a novel it might succeed, but as a play it is weak and devoid of technique.” It may seem strange for a work of James’s to appear lacking in technique. For many critics, James’s works would seem to be all technique – a sign, perhaps, of just how far James was out of his element in the drama. Responding at the end of Guy Domville to calls from the audience, James famously appeared on stage with the play’s producer, George Alexander, only to receive what the Times described as “tumultuous hooting, groaning, and hissing” during which James gazed “with scornful coolness at the turbulent throng.” “Later, Mr. Alexander alone answered demands for a speech by saying how pained he was at such a rebuff after the many kind receptions that had been given to him. The company had worked very hard to do justice to the play, he said: ‘’Tain’t your fault, Guv’nor,’ came from the gallery, ‘it’s a rotten play.’ ... More howls followed this, and Mr. Alexander disappeared in confusion.” “His remarks are regarded as ill advised,” concluded the report, “for they tended clearly to throw the whole blame for the failure on Mr. James’s shoulders.”