The Golden Bowl
Accompanies Charlotte to purchase the golden bowl, concealing their past intimacy.
Book First: The Prince
The central consciousness of the chapter; reflects on his marriage and past with Charlotte.
I
The Prince is introspective about his marriage and the expectations placed upon him, feeling like an 'old embossed coin' valued for his pedigree.
Chapter II
Engages in a tense conversation with Fanny Assingham about Charlotte Stant's unexpected arrival, showing initial surprise and then careful composure.
III
The Prince is cautious and calculating, relieved that Charlotte maintains a public tone and does not reveal their past intimacy. He is focused on preserving appearances and his impending marriage to Maggie.
IV
Mentioned as having been in love with Charlotte but unable to marry her; now married to Maggie.
V
The Prince meets Charlotte secretly, agrees to help her find a gift for Maggie, and is drawn into a conversation about Maggie's selflessness and their own moral failings.
VI
The Prince accompanies Charlotte to the shop but remains aloof, refusing to accept the bowl as a gift from her. He is mindful of their pledge of secrecy about their outing and shows impatience with the proceedings.
VII
Described as a 'big fact' whose presence initially crowded the scene but later allowed for expanded perspectives.
Chapter VIII
Present but indifferent to the social dynamics, does not see the others' concerns.
Chapter IX
Described as saving up wisdom and impressions, with a playful attitude toward his properties and other women.
Chapter XI
Amerigo expresses a desire to revisit Rome, prompting the discussion of the trip.
XII
Mentioned as the reason Maggie left with him; Adam's plan is to allow Maggie to 'go with him' in the future without guilt.
XIII
Referenced as the subject of Charlotte's doubts; his eagerness to return is questioned, highlighting the underlying tensions.
XIV
Accompanies Charlotte at the party; is told by Charlotte to stay with her so Fanny can see them together; later speaks with Fanny after Charlotte is summoned.
Chapter XV
Defends his closeness with Charlotte, insists on Fanny's continued guidance, and hints at the burden of obligation to Adam Verver.
Chapter XVI
Referenced through Fanny's recollection of his look and tone, suggesting a hidden agenda and a possible attempt to 'square' Maggie.
Chapter XVII
Reflects on the intimacy between Maggie and Adam Verver, waits for Maggie, and is visited by Charlotte Stant.
Chapter XVIII
Engages in a deep, intimate conversation with Charlotte, acknowledging their shared duty to protect Maggie and Adam. He struggles to understand the Ververs but commits to acting in concert with Charlotte.
XIX
Reflects on his role as a 'value' in the Verver family and his secret accord with Charlotte.
Chapter XX
Reflects on Fanny Assingham's lie and his irritation with Maggie's innocence; feels complicit with Charlotte.
Chapter XXI
Engages in a private conversation with Charlotte, analyzing Fanny Assingham's constraints and affirming their safety.
Chapter XXII
Reflects on his freedom and possession of the moment; recalls the golden bowl; muses on his role as an outsider and the English character.
Chapter XXIII
Discussed at length as part of the central mystery. Fanny describes him and Charlotte as 'extraordinary' and 'beautiful' in their handling of their situation, claiming they are afraid for Maggie and Adam, and that they take their position seriously. The Prince is also mentioned as someone who is bored by many people in London, but not by Charlotte.
Chapter XXIV
Referenced as being 'too charming' with Charlotte, and as a beneficiary of Maggie's policy of allowing him Charlotte's company.
Book Second: The Princess
Maggie's husband, whose past with Charlotte creates an undercurrent of tension in the present.
Chapter XXV
Amerigo returns to Maggie visibly uncertain and embarrassed, though the look quickly fades. His arrival marks a pivotal moment for Maggie, who senses a shift in their relationship.
Chapter XXVI
Amerigo responds to Maggie's overtures with a mix of tenderness and puzzlement, weighing her intentions and ultimately holding back his words.
Chapter XXVII
Amerigo engages in a tense conversation with Maggie about the proposed trip, showing a need to gain time and rearrange his thoughts. He attempts to interpret Maggie's words as a form of love-making but senses her resistance.
Chapter XXVIII
Amerigo is mentioned as having gone out, and Maggie whimsically wonders if he is meeting Charlotte. He is part of the 'train' that seems to be pulling the group along.
Chapter XXIX
Amerigo is mentioned as being ready to comply with Maggie's wishes, but his involvement in Charlotte's plan is implied. He is a passive figure in the conversation.
The Princess's Torment
Referenced as the object of Maggie's suspicion; he and Charlotte are spending a weekend together alone, which Maggie promoted to test them.
XXXI
The Prince is implicated in Fanny's narrative as the beneficiary of her machinations and as having preexisting relations with Charlotte.
Chapter XXXII
Left alone with Maggie in London; puzzled by her unusual affability at the dinner; remains unaware of the mystery behind her behavior.
Chapter XXXIII
Referenced as having married Maggie with high intentions, but now possibly avoiding the room where the golden bowl sits, indicating his awareness of its significance.
XXXIV
Admits to the outing with Charlotte but tries to minimize its significance; struggles with Maggie's revelations.
Chapter XXXV
Discussed by Maggie; has not told Charlotte that Maggie knows; maintains a lie under Charlotte's direct appeal; lets Maggie alone as a form of cooperation.
Chapter XXXVII
Maggie describes Amerigo as her 'motive' and the reason for her selfishness, indicating her deep love for him.
Chapter XXXVIII
Observed by Maggie as controlling Charlotte subtly; his influence is felt in the hidden play of the relationship.
Chapter XXXIX
Amerigo is referenced in Maggie's thoughts about the possible snapping of the cord between him and Adam Verver.
Chapter XL
The Prince insists on staying in London, calling it 'the reduction to its simplest expression of what we are doing.' Maggie interprets his refusal to see Charlotte as a desire to 'get off without taking anything.'
XLI
Found restless in his room, reads the telegram, and discusses with Maggie the nature of Charlotte's knowledge and the moral weight of their choices.
XLII
Amerigo offers to tell Charlotte he lied, but Maggie stops him. He later declares he sees nothing but Maggie.
