3 Review(s)

The plot of "Glasses" revolves around the experiences of an unnamed narrator who visits the home of the protagonist, Adela Bracey. Adela is a widow living in a small English town and is known for her beauty and charm. The narrator becomes increasingly fascinated by Adela's collection of eyeglasses, which she wears as fashion accessories rather than for vision correction. Each pair of glasses represents a different aspect of her personality, and she chooses which pair to wear based on her mood and the impression she wants to make.The story delves into the idea that Adela uses her glasses to manipulate her image and how others perceive her. The narrator is intrigued by the idea that these glasses serve as a sort of mask, concealing or revealing aspects of Adela's true self. As the narrator observes Adela and her interactions with others, they become more entangled in the complexities of her personality and the various personas she presents.Henry James uses "Glasses" to explore the themes of identity, self-presentation, and the masks people wear in social situations. The story offers a nuanced examination of human psychology and the ways in which people navigate social interactions and relationships.As with many of Henry James's works, "Glasses" is known for its psychological depth and its focus on the interior lives of its characters. It is a relatively short but thought-provoking story that invites readers to consider the layers of identity and perception that exist within individuals and how these can be both revealed and concealed.