Living Face Behind The Mask: Studies On Henry James

Interpretation is very important in biography theory of Leon Edel. The primarypurpose of interpretation is to explore psychological unconsciousness of the subjectsand uncover their life myth. In particular, Edel puts forward four principles in lifewriting：the first is that the biographer must learn to understand man s ways ofdreaming, thinking and using his fancy; the second is that biographers must struggleconstantly not to be taken over by their subjects; the third is that a biographer mustanalyze his materials to discover certain keys to the deeper truths of his subject; thefourth is to find the ideal and unique literary form to express the man. On account ofexpressing the unconsciousness of man, in spite of the objective truth of the life,spiritual truth must also be concerned. As a result, biographical truth is enriched andchallenged as well.The purpose of this paper is to discuss the realization of biographical truth bystudying the using of those principles in Edel s life writing practice. Henry James isan important work of Leon Edel. The biographer explores the unconsciousness ofHenry James and tries to present a true image of the novelist. In the progress ofinterpretation, Edel practices psychological analysis, and makes himself being aparticipant-observer, seeks a private mythology hidden behind the public mask, anduses invention in writing. Those writing methods are effective in truly presenting theliving soul of Henry James, except some inevitable limits.