Four Meetings

"Four Meetings" by Henry James is a story centered on the shifting bond between a narrator and Caroline Spencer, a woman he meets at a tea party and finds exceptionally captivating. The narrative, set against the backdrop of 19th-century American society, unfolds through four significant encounters, most notably one in France, where they share their life dreams, and explores intricate themes of beauty, loyalty, and sacrifice. Caroline's initial naivete and sentimental nature undergo transformation as she faces difficult choices and is soon challenged by familial obligations, particularly involving her cousin. As a result, the story traces Caroline's evolution as she transitions from a person full of hopeful aspirations to someone more grounded in life's difficult realities, highlighting the disillusionment that often accompanies adulthood and the complex nature of human experiences.