The Figure in the Carpet
by Henry James
- First published
- 1986
- Reading level
- Plain English
- Price
- Free
About the book
"The Figure in the Carpet" by Henry James is a short story first published in 1896. An unnamed narrator becomes obsessed with uncovering a hidden meaning in his favorite author's works—a secret pattern the writer claims all critics have missed. As the narrator and his friends pursue this elusive literary mystery, their quest leads to unexpected revelations and tantalizing dead ends. The story explores the nature of artistic intention and the limits of critical interpretation, leaving readers to wonder whether the secret truly exists.
- Short stories, American
- Interpersonal relations
- Women novelists
- Critics
- Secrecy
Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #645. The Figure in the Carpet on Wikipedia.
