Christopher Newman: A Lost Romantic or Realistic Businessman.
What are Realists and Romantics? A Realist is one who confronts problems logically and has a sound mind to make rational choices never relying on emotions to play into their decision making process. Contrastingly, a Romantic is one who ventures to extremes and makes their choices based on emotions than solid reasoning skills.
In Henry James' The American, the main character Christopher Newman portrays himself as having both of the previous mentioned characteristics. Our hero Newman is a wealthy American on a quest in France seemingly searching for some reason for existing and a wife. His capitalistic business background leads one to assume him a Realist, but his awkward and unorthodox search for a spouse points in the direction of a Romantic. However, Newman is definitely showing that he is not merely sightseeing in Europe. He is unknowingly on a mission that will distinguish himself as either a Romantic or Realist.
In Newman's first encounter with Noémie Nioche, his practical Americanized approach to people is shown. He sees her meticulously painting a replica of Murillo's Madonna and immediately asks her "combien,"" meaning how much. From his previous experience as an American businessman in a capitalistic society, he like many Americans learn that they can practically have anything they desire if the price is right. Yet, this notion is contrary to the French and Europeans who rely on traditions and their form of social class order. Those European legalities are Romantic traits because they put more importance on aesthetic and historical values rather than materialism. Therefore, our American hero's approach with Noémie deems him a Realist due to his beliefs that contradict the opposing European's.
On the contrary, Newman shows somewhat of a Romantic aspect to his life in his courting of Claire.
