Portrait of a Lady
The novel revolves around the life of Isabel Archer, an American heiress who travels to Europe with her aunt and cousin. She meets Gilbert Osmond, a wealthy and sophisticated man, and his daughter Pansy. Isabel becomes engaged to Osmond but soon realizes she has made a mistake due to his controlling nature and lack of passion. Isabel's relationships with her friends and acquaintances are also explored, particularly her friendship with Madame Merle, who is revealed to be Osmond's mistress. The novel delves into themes of identity, morality, and the constraints placed on women during this time period. As Isabel navigates her complicated relationships and tries to assert her independence, she must confront the societal expectations placed upon her as a woman of means.
By Jerome K. Jerome · First published 1881 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Romance · 4,895 words
First lines
My work pressed upon me, but the louder it challenged me -- such is the heart of the timid fighter -- the less stomach I felt for the contest. I wrestled with it in my study, only to be driven to my books. I walked out to meet it in the streets, only to seek shelter from it in music-hall or theatre. Thereupon it waxed importunate and over-bearing, till the shadow of it darkened all my doings. The thought of it sat beside me at the table, and spoilt my appetite. The memory of it followed me abroad, and stood between me and my friends, so that all talk died upon my lips, and I moved among men as one ghost-ridden.
What this Textopian page supports
Portrait of a Lady is listed on Textopian as a short story by Jerome K. Jerome, dated 1881 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Jerome K. Jerome
- Date: 1881 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Historical Fiction
- Length: 4,895 words
- Structure: 1 section, 61 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Portrait of a Lady by Jerome K. Jerome
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Portrait of a Lady?
- How does this short story by Jerome K. Jerome fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Portrait Of A Lady by T. S. Elliot
- The Legacy by Josephine Daskam Bacon
- Virtue In The Ballet by Guy De Maupassant
- Louisa Pallant by Henry James
- Pauls Mistress by Guy De Maupassant
- The Model by Guy De Maupassant
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The work explores complex themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the inner thoughts and emotional struggles of the protagonist, highlighting psychological depth.
- Romance — The story involves romantic elements, particularly the protagonist's reflections on love and lost connections.
- Mystery — The protagonist's quest to uncover the identity of the woman in the miniature adds a layer of mystery to the narrative.
Tags
Novel · Realism · Psychological Fiction · Social Commentary · Marriage · Class · Identity · Morality · Ethics · Philosophy · Existentialism · Human Nature