It is because these characters depend to such a high degree on their own sense of integrity that for them, victory has nothing to do with happiness. It has more to do with a settling within oneself, a movement inward that makes them whole. Their reward is not happiness - a word that is central in Austen's novels but is seldom used in James's universe. What James's characters gain is self-respect. (Azar Nafisi)

It is because these characters depend to such a high degree on their own sense of integrity that for them, victory has nothing to do with happiness. It has more to do with a settling within oneself, a movement inward that makes them whole. Their reward is not happiness - a word that is central in Austen's novels but is seldom used in James's universe. What James's characters gain is self-respect.

Azar Nafisi

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central degree gain happiness high integrity inward movement nothing reward self-respect sense settling universe victory word

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