The Master

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What were your overall impressions of Henry as a character? Did you find him to be a kindred spirit? Why or why not? 

2. Which of Henry’s friends did you find to be the most compelling? How would you characterize his relationship with them?

3. Have you read Portrait of a Lady? If so, how do Henry’s notes for this novel compare with the book itself?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. How did you respond to Henry’s struggles with romance and sexuality? Can you imagine living your life without pursuing a meaningful romantic relationship? What impact does that experience have on Henry? 

2. Are you an introvert or an extrovert? How does that identity shape your life, and how does Henry’s introversion shape his? 

3. Are you an artist? How does Henry’s creative process compare to yours? How does being an artist or a writer shape your identity? 

4. How do the members of Henry’s elite social circles approach issues like class and sexuality? How is today’s society different?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. How does this book comment on the issue of societal acceptance for gay men and women? 

2. Discuss Wilde’s trial, and compare the way that Wilde expresses his sexuality to Henry’s reluctance to pursue romance. Which character is happier, and why? 

3. How do Europe and the United States shape Henry as an individual?

4. How does the Civil War impact Henry’s family?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Much of the book is dedicated to Henry’s meandering thoughts and memories. How does this unusual narrative structure alter the typical hallmarks of plot structure—exposition, complication, rising action, climax, and denouement? 

2. Discuss Tóibín’s depiction of Lady Wolseley. Is she a sympathetic character? Why or why not? How is she a true friend to Henry, and how does she sometimes betray that bond? 

3. How does Lamb House help to reshape Henry’s identity?

4. Who are Henry’s thwarted love interests, and how would you characterize each of them? How do these moments of longing shape Henry as a character?

5. Are you familiar with James’s novels? How many of them could you identify in the chapters dedicated to Henry’s writing process?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If this book were to be adapted for the screen, whom would you cast in its lead roles?

2. Would you be interested in a sequel or a prequel to this novel? Which other portions of Henry James’s life would you like to see fictionalized?