Conflict Between Morgan And Pemberton

735 Words3 Pages
James tells a story of a man, Pemberton, whose interviewed to become a resident tutor. As the story unfolds the readers begin to witness the relationships among the characters. Within this exert the author (Henry James) uses irony and a third person omniscient point of view to depict the new and developing relationships between the three characters; Pemberton, Mrs. Moreen, and Morgan. Irony pertains throughout these three characters relationships, all three, intimidated by a wealth status that one doesn’t even have. Pemberton, a young British man hesitant in nature, who procrastinates. Nervous, cautious, and modest, Pemberton second guesses himself. Thus his introverted characteristics were carried over into his relationship with Mrs. Moreen (lines 1-14). A recent graduate from Oxford, Pemberton is in debt and looking for a well paying job. The figure of salary was…show more content…
For example, it is ironic that Moreen portrays herself (to Pemberton) as an aristocratic member of society, when, in reality, she isn’t. It is possible she is trying to look rich, giving this illusion, causing Pemberton to assume such and therefore he won’t feel the need to question the pay, trapping him into taking the job. With Moreen’s words “Oh, I can assure you that all that will be quite regular.” With this, Pemberton is confused up until the point of Morgan’s comment/mocking remark “Oh, la-la!” placing Mrs. Moreen’s statement into questionability. Morgan is mocking his mother because he knows the amount is not as much as his mother is letting Pemberton to believe, and Morgan mocks Pemberton because he is eager to earn a valuable salary his (Morgan) mother can’t give him. Another area that shows irony is the fact Morgan acts aloof and dumb, looks goofy, and yet he is possibly smarter than Pemberton. It is also ironic that Morgan is so smart (according the Mrs. Moreen) yet she is hiring him a
Open Document