The theme of family in this book is inseparable from the theme of duty. Chad's mother and sister constantly feel like they have a claim on him because he's their flesh and blood. As the book unfolds, though, Strether begins to realize that maybe people should choose their friends based on how much they like people instead of just having the same DNA.
This is a tough realization for Strether, who has been brainwashed for several years to accept the idea that Mrs. Newsome is always right about everything, ever. It's not until Strether can question his sense of duty to her that he can truly learn to live his best life.
Questions About Duty
- Where do you think Chad's true duty lies in this book: with his mother, with Madame de Vionnet, or neither?
- After Strether finds out the truth about Chad and Madame de Vionnet, what happens to his sense of duty? Why?
- If Strether is committed to a higher ideal, what would it be? Use specific examples from the text to support your answer.
Chew on This
In The Ambassadors, Henry James shows us that our only sense of duty should be to enjoy our lives as much as we can.
This book makes the argument that while living your life for others might not be much fun, it's ultimately the most moral thing you can do.