The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

The Portrait of a Lady, written in 1881 by Henry James, is an often cited and celebrated example of ‘realist’ literature. It is a psychological novel that centres on the story of Isabel Archer, an independent, spirited American woman living in Europe. To those around her she appears to have the world at her feet. However, she soon finds that money is a cruel master, and it has the potential to ruin lives.

The narrative begins in Gardencourt, an old English manor house where Isabel is invited to stay with her cousin, Ralph Touchett. When the novel starts we learn that Isabel is facing a fateful decision – will she accept the marriage proposal of an eligible and wealthy suitor, or will she choose a life of independent freedom? As she meets new people at Gardencourt and considers her decision, the story expands to include the religious and social conventions of Victorian times, including the strict rules regulating behaviour for ladies.

The overwhelming presence of money in the early part of The Portrait of a Lady introduces Isabel to the greedy and selfish desires of others. For example, Isabel’s aunt, Mrs. Touchett, urges her to take the marriage proposal, continually harping about the importance of making a good match and obtaining a favorable financial arrangement. This is furthered when Isabel travels to Rome and meets Gilbert Osmond. Deserted by her relatives, she finds herself vulnerable to his designs. He is well-mannered, clever and misguided, a man who has allowed himself to be ruined by his past experiences. He wants to take advantage of Isabel’s relative youth and naivety to reclaim his past social status, and the way he manipulates her is a subtle but effective form of power.

The Portrait of a Lady is not just a marriage novel, however, because the theme of money is just a part of the story. Ultimately, Isabel’s true tragedy is her own fatal flaw – her lack of knowledge in how to effectively live in the world. As she struggles to wrest herself from the intrigues of her family, lovers and antagonists, she experiences a life-changing moment that proves to be both sad and poignant. She realises that life is not about fortune or games, but about humanity, morality and decision-making abilities.

In the end, Isabel makes the wrong choice and marries Gilbert, after which the novel reveals the underlying story of her misery and suffering. The depths of her unhappiness are explored as she feels increasingly trapped by her error and suffers at the hands of her new, callous husband. Written with beautiful prose, intense emotions and character depth, The Portrait of a Lady will always stay with the reader, as it shows us the poignancy and struggles of the human experience.