Summary:
"Confidence" by Henry James is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. It centers around the character Bernard Longueville, a young American who is traveling through Italy and becomes entangled in a complex web of social and romantic relationships, particularly around the enigmatic Angela Vivian. The opening portion introduces Bernard as he enjoys his time in Siena, reflecting on art and beauty while grappling with social duties. His chance encounter with a beautiful young woman leads to a playful yet charged interaction that sets the stage for deeper explorations of character and intention. As he sketches in a quiet corner, he meets Angela Vivian, who elicits both admiration and confusion from him, laying the groundwork for the intricate dynamics to unfold throughout the narrative. Their dialogue hints at the complexity of their characters and relationships, suggesting themes of love, social responsibility, and the artistic process that will likely be explored in subsequent chapters. (This is an automatically generated summary.)