The Figure in the Carpet

"The Figure in the Carpet" by Henry James is a story of artistic drive and the tricky nature of literary analysis. It zooms in on a young critic’s chase to find a supposed secret message, a "figure in the carpet," woven into the works of the famous novelist, Hugh Vereker. The story, told by an unnamed narrator, shows his deep dive into Vereker's work, fueled by talks with Vereker and his pal, George Corvick. As the protagonist tries harder to understand Vereker's genius, he gets caught up in a frustrating search for an understanding that always seems just beyond his grasp. The book looks at how art affects both the artist and the audience, questioning where meaning in books really comes from.