Confidence

by Henry James

"Confidence" by Henry James is a novel first published in 1879. This light comedy follows artist Bernard Longueville, who is asked by his friend, scientist Gordon Wright, to judge whether he should marry the enigmatic Angela Vivian. Bernard advises against the match, setting off a chain of romantic entanglements and misunderstandings. Years later, Bernard encounters Angela again and discovers his own feelings have changed. The story explores how people deceive themselves and questions whether life can be governed by rational principles.