Who Felix Young is
Felix Young arrives in Boston with his sister, Eugenia, Baroness Münster, after a life of travel in Europe. A painter and sometime performer, he has little money but a ready gift for enjoying himself. Among the Wentworths, his ease contrasts with a household that weighs pleasure against duty.
What Felix Young wants
Felix wants to be happy, and he does not need wealth or settled circumstances to find delight. He regards the visit as an adventure, while watching his sister's worries with affection and some amusement.
He proposes painting portraits, even offering to paint Mr. Wentworth, whose family regards portraits as vanity. His warmth and lack of judgment help the cousins open up to him.
Felix Young and the others in the story
Gertrude Wentworth watches Felix closely because his frank talk about happiness offers something unfamiliar. He notices her quick mind and her desire for a life beyond the limits she knows.
Felix and Eugenia bring different kinds of charm to their American relatives. Where she carefully pursues security, he wins affection through good humor and an easy manner.
Questions
Who is Felix Young in The Europeans?
Felix Young is a visiting European painter and the brother of Eugenia, Baroness Münster.
How does Felix affect the Wentworth family?
He makes pleasure seem less threatening through his laughter, conversation, and friendly interest in others.
What connects Felix Young and Gertrude Wentworth?
Felix recognizes Gertrude's intelligence and restlessness, while she is drawn to his open enjoyment of life.
