The American by Henry James is a masterful novel that explores the differences between American and European cultures. Through the main character, Christopher Newman, the author is able to articulate a clear and distinct critique of American culture in that Americans do not have the ability to separate reality from their ideals and that Americans of novel must alter their perceived reality in order to match. with their beliefs. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay For Newman, the clash between his fantasies and reality becomes evident with the clash between commercial language and more romantic language. His reality is that of business and his ideal is represented by his romantic fantasies of being a knight in shining armor, ready to save the beautiful Claire. In Christopher Newman, the romantic and the businessman are one. At the end, as Newman reflects on his situation in England, he "finally [attempts] to read the moral of his strange misadventure" (438). This is one of the only times Newman wonders if being a salesman interfered with his enjoyment. The narrator must imply that Newman is capable of recognizing the truth. However, Newman is not prepared to “beat his wings very hard to live up to this idea” (439). Even if he were willing to make this admission, the narrator remarks that he would not feel at all ashamed and indeed, after all this contemplation, the final conclusion Newman comes to is that he is still happy to be rich and that becoming a businessman was worth it. All of his previous thoughts are immediately dismissed as his mind attempts to come to terms with his unhappiness. The problem with his attempt to assess what had happened was that he still couldn't sort out the affairs of the condition. At the beginning of his reflection, he says that he has "company in his thoughts" (438), which is a play on words between the two meanings of the word company. On the one hand, business can mean people, specifically Claire, but it can also mean a real financial business. Moreover, later, when reflecting on his numbered days with Madame de Cintr, Newman again uses a financial metaphor, referring to them as a “silver chain” (438). Another example of Newman's business mind interfering with his thoughts is dinner. . Newman still finishes the dinner "very poor" (439), even though he is called poor. Even with food, the price overshadows and alters Newman's judgment. Newman's reality and what he considers ideal are the same and he does not seem to see the negative consequences of his naivety. Valentine is a personification of what Newman wants and another vehicle with which Henry James demonstrates the dangers of Newman's flaw. Aptly named, Valentin represents true romance, with appropriate forms and ceremonies, and he fits Newman's ideal of a true Frenchman. As Valentin spends more and more time with Newman, he soon falls under his American influence and Newman introduces him to the manipulative No mie, a behavior that is not European, but rather an effect of a man's habits. business of building relationships for an ulterior motive. . Due to certain ceremonies that he must still respect, Valentin is ultimately led to challenge another admirer of Noémie to a duel in order to protect his honor and compete for her affection. The consequences of Newman's mix of romance and business mentality are fatal as harsh reality sets in. This crucial flaw is also found in the other American, Mrs. Tristram. However, his ideal is to »..