The Bostonians, Vol. II (of II)

"The Bostonians, Vol. II (of II)" by Henry James is a story set in the late 1800s, looking at the changing roles for women in America through the eyes of Verena Tarrant, a young woman finding her place in the world. She is heavily influenced by Olive Chancellor’s feminist teachings, but things get complicated when Basil Ransom comes along, challenging her ideas about society. The story really kicks off when Ransom visits Verena, leading to conversations that stir up old feelings and new conflicts. Verena impresses Ransom with her confidence and charm, sharing her experiences and beliefs from a recent women’s event but their talks reveal very different views on what men and women should be. This meeting starts a journey full of tough questions about love, differences in beliefs, and what people give up when they stand up for what they believe in.