The Pupil
With this story, I liked how James' initially makes us feel pity for Pemberton (the supposed tutor) in the way that it feels like the Moreens are constantly taking advantage of him financially. But it's not like he's working an actual job or anything--basically he just hangs out with this kid, and in return gets lodging, food etc. Also, Pemberton doesn't have any payable skills anyways-- he says he sent things to magazines, but "they're declined with thanks" (734). In the end, it feels like Pemberton leaves at the first chance for something better, in terms of pay, and only returns when the Moreens are super desperate. Finally, the pity is for Morgan, because it just doesn't seem like he fits in anywhere--either in his already messed up family, which probably makes him unfit for society as well, or with Pemberton--who could probably mold him into anything, except that Pemberton "didn't desire the gift--what could he do with Morgan's life?" (754).
Four Meetings
Right away this story shares some comparisons with "Daisy Miller". It has the four part structure; it has the little preface/intro before the story starts; the girl dies in both cases etc. One phrase that stuck out for me was the description of Miss Spencer as "always looking eastward" (198, 197) This is interesting because she comes from America, wants to east to explore Europe, but never is fully able to do so. Also, the only place she stays in is Havre, which is described as a sort of place in limbo, where one goes to essentially just get somewhere else. But the only place she ends up in is back home. Finally, the only knowledge/experience she gets of europe is unfortunately through the countess.
