# Chapter II explained — The Ambassadors

> Chapter companion for The Ambassadors by Henry James.

## What happens

Strether and Waymarsh reunite in Chester, where Waymarsh expresses his profound dissatisfaction with Europe and his desire to return to America. Their conversation touches on Strether's motives for coming abroad, hinting at Mrs. Newsome's influence and a business purpose. The chapter explores the contrast between the two men's temperaments and their respective silences regarding personal matters.

## Themes in this chapter

### Freedom and Constraint

Waymarsh feels constrained by Europe and longs for the freedom of returning to America, while Strether appears to be bound by obligations to Mrs. Newsome.

### Social Manners and Class

The conversation between Strether and Waymarsh reveals unspoken rules about what can be discussed, such as Waymarsh's estranged wife, highlighting social decorum.

### Perception and Interpretation

Strether and Waymarsh interpret each other's silences and appearances differently, reflecting their distinct perspectives on life and Europe.

## Character check-ins

### Lambert Strether

Strether tries to comfort Waymarsh and deflects questions about his own motives, hinting at Mrs. Newsome's business.

### Waymarsh

Waymarsh is restless, unhappy with Europe, and expresses a strong desire to return home; he probes Strether about his reasons for coming.

### Mrs. Newsome

Mentioned as the possible force behind Strether's journey; Waymarsh speculates that Strether is running from or after her.

## Key lines

> The fact is, Strether⁠—and it’s a comfort to have you here at last to say it to; though I don’t know, after all, that I’ve really waited; I’ve told it to people I’ve met in the cars⁠—the fact is, such a country as this ain’t my kind of country anyway.

Waymarsh confesses that Europe is not for him, and he has been telling this to strangers on trains.

_Waymarsh's discontent with Europe is a central theme of the chapter._

> Look here⁠—I want to go back.

Waymarsh directly states his desire to return to America.

_This blunt declaration underscores his alienation._

> Is she really after you? Is that what’s behind?

Waymarsh asks if Mrs. Newsome is pursuing Strether, implying that is the reason for his journey.

_Waymarsh's suspicion reveals the underlying tension about Strether's mission._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_ambassadors_se/chapters/ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_ambassadors_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_ambassadors_se/chapters