"A Bundle of Letters" by Henry James is a novella that explores cultural differences and social manners through a series of letters written by American and European characters. Set in a French pension, the story humorously and insightfully portrays misunderstandings and interactions between the characters. James uses the epistolary format to highlight themes of identity, perception, and the clash of cultures, offering a witty and engaging commentary on 19th-century society.

Dumas fils’ 1848 tragic romance: courtesan Marguerite and Armand’s doomed love, inspiring La Traviata. Themes: sacrifice, societal hypocrisy.