The Awkward Age

"The Awkward Age" by Henry James explores the complicated social world of the late 1800s. It mainly looks at how young women are expected to act and how innocence plays a role in this changing society where Nanda Brookenham is a main person in the story. The author's preface to the story gives a glimpse into what he was thinking when he was writing the book, where his inspiration grew into a more complex exploration of how young women enter society and how that affects family and friends, including their roles, influences, and decisions. The story starts with Vanderbank and Mr. Longdon talking after a dinner, bringing up ideas about proper behavior, friendships, and what people expect from each other, showing that the story will look at the little things that connect people when there's pressure from society.