Why did critics object to some of Henry James’s early short stories?

Although Henry James was widely regarded as one of the most skillful short-story writers in America by his mid-20s, critics of the time objected to his early work because of his thematic focus. Specifically, they deplored his tendency to write about the "life of the mind" rather than focusing on physical action.1

These early stories often depicted the leisurely, quiet existence of the well-to-do in places like Newport and Saratoga, which contrasted with the more action-oriented narratives favored by many contemporary readers and critics.1