The Portrait of a Lady, Volume II

Name: The Portrait of a Lady, Volume II
Author: Henry James

The novel revolves around Isabel Archer, an American heiress who travels to Europe with her aunt and cousin. She rejects a marriage proposal from Gilbert Osmond, an older man who seems to be more interested in her wealth than her well-being. Isabel then meets Ralph Touchett, the son of a wealthy family, who is ill and has limited time left. He falls in love with Isabel but knows he cannot marry her due to his health. Meanwhile, Madame Merle, a friend of Osmond's, becomes involved in Isabel's life and manipulates her into marrying Osmond. Isabel soon realizes she made a mistake and tries to escape the marriage. The novel explores themes of identity, morality, and the constraints placed on women during this time period.

By Henry James · First published 1881 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Realism, Psychological Fiction · 28 chapters · 162,373 words

First lines

On the morrow, in the evening, Lord Warburton went again to see his friends at their hotel, and at this establishment he learned that they had gone to the opera. He drove to the opera with the idea of paying them a visit in their box after the easy Italian fashion; and when he had obtained his admittance -- it was one of the secondary theatres -- looked about the large, bare, ill-lighted house. An act had just terminated and he was at liberty to pursue his quest. After scanning two or three tiers of boxes he perceived in one of the largest of these receptacles a lady whom he easily recognised. Miss Archer was seated facing the stage and partly screened by the curtain of the box; and beside her, leaning back in his chair, was Mr. Gilbert Osmond. They appeared to have the place to themselves, and Warburton supposed their companions had taken advantage of the recess to enjoy the relative coolness of the lobby. He stood a while with his eyes on the interesting pair; he asked himself if he should go up and interrupt the harmony. At last he judged that Isabel had seen him, and this accident determined him. There should be no marked holding off. He took his way to the upper regions and on the staircase met Ralph Touchett slowly descending, his hat at the inclination of ennui and his hands where they usually were.

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The Portrait of a Lady, Volume II is listed on Textopian as a novel by Henry James, dated 1881 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: Henry James
Date: 1881 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Realism, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Romance
Length: 162,373 words
Structure: 28 chapters, 2,307 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — Explores complex characters and themes with a focus on psychological depth and social commentary.
Realism — Depicts everyday life and society with detailed attention to character and setting, emphasizing authenticity.
Psychological Fiction — Centers on the internal thoughts, motivations, and emotional experiences of the characters.
Social Commentary — Critiques and examines social structures, norms, and class distinctions of the time.