The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

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The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James 

The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James (1881) tells the story of Isabel Archer, a young American woman who travels to Europe after her father’s death. Taken abroad by her aunt, Isabel meets her cousin Ralph, her uncle Mr. Touchett, and Lord Warburton, who quickly proposes to her.

Isabel, however, values freedom and independence. She refuses two proposals, wanting to live life on her own terms. Later, she inherits a fortune, but this wealth makes her a target of manipulation by two scheming American expatriates.

The novel explores themes of freedom, choice, marriage, and the clash between American and European values. Isabel begins as a symbol of independence, but her choices gradually trap her in a difficult marriage.

James is praised for his psychological realism, showing the inner struggles of his characters. Isabel Archer was partly inspired by his cousin Minny Temple, who died young. The book is considered a masterpiece of American literature.


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