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The Portrait of a Lady | Study Guide

Henry James

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Course Hero. "The Portrait of a Lady Study Guide." August 3, 2017. Accessed May 30, 2023. https://www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Portrait-of-a-Lady/.

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Course Hero, "The Portrait of a Lady Study Guide," August 3, 2017, accessed May 30, 2023, https://www.coursehero.com/lit/The-Portrait-of-a-Lady/.

The Portrait of a Lady | Infographic

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Check out this Infographic to learn more about Henry James's The Portrait of a Lady. Study visually with character maps, plot summaries, helpful context, and more.

the-portrait-of-a-lady-henry-jamesIsabel Archer, Chapter 16f there’s a thing in the world I’m fond of … it’s my personal independence.Sources: British Library, A Critical Companion to Henry James by Eric Harrison and Kendall Johnson, Encyclopaedia Britannica, A Henry James Encyclopedia by Robert L. Gale, The New YorkerCopyright © 2017 Course Hero, Inc.PaintingsRepresent the desire to assign meaning and value to thingsBunchieRepresents Ralph’s secret love for IsabelArchitectureReflects the personalities and feelings of the inhabitantsSymbolsFemale characters seek independence of thought, decision, action, and finances.Female FreedomManipulation, ruse, and exercise of patriarchal power inhibit freedom and love.ControlIsabel experiences the clash of American and European cultures and values.America vs. EuropeIsabel Archer is an intelligent, independent American woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery in Europe. She rejects marriage proposals from two men in favor of following her dreams, only to find herself duped into a loveless marriage by a mysterious, nefarious couple.A Girl, Her Freedom & a FortuneTHEMESManipulative, cruel man; tricks Isabel into marriage so he can control herGilbert OsmondSuccessful American businessman; in love with Isabel and determined to marry herCaspar GoodwoodIsabel’s chronically ill cousin; tries to provide for Isabel so she can pursue her freedomRalph TouchettYoung American; has imagination and intelligence but lacks experience and wisdomIsabel ArcherMain CharactersNicknamed “The Master,” James is considered the father of the modern American novel. Born in New York, James adopted England as his home. His writing often reflects his experiences living in the “Old World” by focusing on the contrasts between American values, conventions, and personalities with those of Europe.HENRY JAMES1843–1916AuthorEnglishOriginal Language1881Year PublishedHenry JamesAuthorThe Portrait of a LadyTragedyNovel
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