The Wings of the Dove

*The Wings of the Dove* is a novel by Henry James that explores themes of love, deception, and social class. It tells the story of two American women in Europe—Milly, a wealthy heiress, and Kate, her friend—whose lives become intertwined through manipulation and desire. When Milly inherits her fortune, Kate secretly hopes to use her influence over her to secure her own financial future. The novel examines the complexities of human motives and the ambiguities of morality, emphasizing how characters’ ambitions and emotions can lead to unintended consequences and moral dilemmas.