What literary technique is often associated with Henry James's writing style?

Henry James is particularly known for his use of intentional ambiguity in his writing style. This technique involves leaving certain elements of the narrative open to interpretation, allowing readers to engage deeply with the text and draw their own conclusions. James often focuses on the complexities of human psychology and the subtleties of character interactions, which can create layers of meaning and provoke thought. The ambiguity can manifest in various ways, such as unclear motives, ambiguous endings, or nuanced character development. This invites readers to grapple with the text rather than merely consuming it passively.

In contrast, chronological narrative is often straightforward and linear, which is not typically how James structures his stories; he frequently employed a more intricate narrative style. Satirical commentary is more aligned with authors like Mark Twain or Jonathan Swift, who explicitly critique societal norms through humor and exaggeration. Simple prose suggests a lack of complexity, which is contrary to James's rich language and intricate sentence structures that contribute to the depth of his narratives. Therefore, intentional ambiguity is a defining characteristic of Henry James's work, making it the correct choice for identifying his literary technique.