The Portrait of a Lady

Henry James's "The Portrait of a Lady" is a masterful exploration of the complexities of personal freedom and the burdens of identity in the late 19th century. Written in a rich, nuanced style, the novel employs a psychological realism that delves deep into the inner lives of its characters, particularly the spirited Isabel Archer. Set against the contrasting landscapes of Europe and America, James intricately weaves themes of social ambition, moral choices, and the often suffocating constraint ...