The Ivory Tower

"The Ivory Tower" by Henry James is an incomplete story that centers around Rosanna Gaw, a young woman involved in her family's complex relationships and social circle, with a focus on her father and encounters with people like the newcomer, Graham Fielder. The story explores themes of selflessness, social position, and the tangled nature of human connections during a time of potential social transformation. The story starts by showing Rosanna walking to Mr. Betterman's house, complete with her special parasol and flowing clothes, showing her thoughtful nature. She worries about Mr. Betterman and hopes Graham Fielder has come, mixing family responsibility with her own curiosity. Through her thoughts and observations about her father's odd state—stuck between relaxation and the stress of their family's history—the story creates a detailed environment that suggests the social interactions and hidden issues at play. The relationships and discussions presented in the beginning prepare readers for the wider dynamics that will develop as the story continues.