The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

 

 

 

THE PORTRAIT OF A LADY

-by Henry James

 

A brief account of the novel

 

    Chapter I :

 

An old gentleman sits on a lawn at a tea table and holding a large teacup, who had come from American thirty years ago. After sometime, the son of the old man comes there. Then they have continues the conversation. Sometimes, they were joking and laughing. After some time, Lord Warburton talks about pretty women. The old man suggests to him that he should marry her who will save them, then your life will be much more interesting. They are talking about interesting women. At that time Mr. Touchett says about her niece. Ralph said to his father,  you never tell me about her. Lord Warburton says, that he also doesn't know her, he thinks it is the first time he has heard of her. The old man says that she is the niece of his wife, Mrs. Touchett. They are two sisters and quite independent. Lord Warburton asks if the young lady is interesting and when she arrives?. The old man says that his wife, Mrs. Touchett, will soon be returning from her visit to America and that she plans to bring their niece with her to stay in England. Mr. Touchett half-seriously jokes that he will, so long as he promises not to fall in love with her! American girls today are all engaged but that they continue to behave however they like regardless. Lastly, the old man forbids trying with his niece.  - Abdul Hakid

 

Chapter II :

 After the aggrandised description of the mansion where Mr. Touchett , Ralph and Lord Warburton have some conversations about women and all , a very important development happens here .Here for the first time , we , along with the spell-bound Ralph and the fixed-eyed-Warburton and the old-but-seemingly-strong Mr. Touchett , come to meet Isabel Archer , the independent and beautiful lady . In the doorway , Ralph gazes at her with her black dress , urban aura and a strange personality put on and his dog also welcomes her with all its possible attention to her , which she herself receives gladly .

 

 After being funnily asked , she says that she has come here with Mrs. Touchett who has straight gone into her room instead of even meeting his son and husband . It speaks a lot about the Touchett's conjugal adjustment . As typical of any first meeting , here we also see some weird conversations , like Isabel's reminding Ralph that she is his cousin , Mr. Touchett's safe remark of adoring her beauty in the alibi of his being old , Lord Warburton's awkward beginning of talking to her and arguing his own house as rather better than the Touchet'setc . The chapter ends with Warburton's remark to Ralph which reveals his total fall for her beauty .– BIKRAM CHOWDHURY

 

Chapter III :

 In this chapter,  Mrs Touchett trace Isabel at the young women’s grandmother’s house in Albany, New York. Isabel is reading a book in the library, a room that she romanticizes and has loved since her childhood. It is clear she has a great love of reading and a strong imagination. Isabel is satisfied in just her own company, and shocked at the trespass of the older women who she, realizes must be her “creasy Aunt Lydia” that she has never met. Mrs. Touchett answers in a no_nonsense fashion that she has never had a single illusion.  Mrs. Touchett conspiraces Isabel, and Isabel interests Mrs. Touchett as well. The two ladies conversation for about an honour, waiting for Israel’s sister and brother _in law, lilian and Edmund, to return. Isabel is described by her sister Lillian as an ‘original’ and Lillian’s husband, Mr. Ludlow, notes that it is as if Isabel is “written in a foreign tongue”. In a private conversation, Lillian hopes that Mrs. Touchett will do something grand for lsabel, such as taking her abroad.  Growing up, Isabel worked to kilter her mind. This was the first time she had met her aunt, whom her father dislike for criticizing the way he was raising the girls after her sister’s death. Isabel’s older two sisters are married, and Mrs. Touchett knows that little money has been left to Isabel, who is completely unaware of her economic status. Isabel said she would love to go to Europe with Mrs. Touchett but could not commitment to do everything her aunt says. Mrs. Touchett realized Isabel’s sagacity, liberty, and impudence.          -AbdusSamad

 

Chapter IV :

In this chapter we find, Isabel had two sisters, Lilian and Edith. Isabel was the youngest one among them. Isabel’s elder sister, Lilian was so much practical and sensible. Edith was the prettiest among them and Isabel herself was the intellectual one who loves to read books .

Lilian was talking to her husband, Edmund Ludlow, regarding Mrs. Touchett’s visit to the Archer house. She wished that Mrs. Touchett should invite Isabel to Europe. It shall give her more new experiences.

 Isabel loved to imagine many things at once. So she closed her eyes and thought about her past life. She thought about the person whom she adores, her father, Mr. Archer. Though many criticized him for his restlessness and carelessness nature towards his family. He had wanted to show the world to his daughters. Isabel loved that most.

Many of the suitors of Edith were afraid of Isabel’s intelligence and came with preparation to deal with her. Isabel loved to read books but not to be called bookish. She wanted to gain knowledge from real world rather than from the printed pages.

 

      Isabel’s thoughts interrupted by the news of Caspar Goodwood’s arrival. He had written many times to Isabel from New York and had wished to marry her. Though Isabel had expected him, she didn’t want to meet him. He was described as having an angular jaw and an attractive physique. He was not a man to be discouraged by a defeat.

-         Ahmed Hasan

 

Chapter V :

Here we find a brief description of Ralph,the son of Mr. Touchett and Mrs. Touchett. He was a little boy when his father came to England as a partner from the bank. Ralph admires his father because he is the only person who helps Ralph to grow up in life and take proper education . Ralph hardly stays with his mother bcz of her marital relation with Mr. Touchett. Now he works in a bank because of his father’s insistence.

 

  Before dinner he goes to visit his mother who just arrives in England with her niece,Isabel. His mother asks him about his father’s condition . But Ralph becomes more curious about Isabel . He wants to know why his mother brings Isabel here . But he doesn’t get a proper answer. He tells his mother that he grows a liking for lsabel.

 

    After dinner Ralph meets Isabel who wants to visit his art gallery . They visit the house together and have a long conversation about seeing ghosts in old mansion just like the house at Gardencourt. In the way Ralph gets to know Isabel’s liking for Lord Warburton  instead of knowing nothing about him. Ralph feels a little bit of jealous.Though she also likes Mr. Touchett. They talk to each  other about their life .The chapter ends as Isabel goes upside of the house and Ralph returns back to the empty drawing room. - Aloka Singha

 

Chapter VI :

In this chapter  the narrator describes Isabel’s history and other perceptions of her. Sometimes the narrator asserts "her imagination was remarkably active". Once her hereditary aunt, Mrs. Varian spread the rumours that Isabel was written a novel. But we see she is not interested about it and she is not a novelist at all. She is a simple girl and she believes the other people who admire her. The heroine of the novel, Isabel thinks there is no evil in the world. She sometimes imagines that somehow she falls on difficult situation, so that she might arise as a hero of the occasion and prove herself.

              Isabel has a friend, Henrietta Stackpole, who is a journalist and financially independent. Her friend is happy and independent without being marriage. But Isabel’s deepest thought in her mind is described as being the belief that she could give herself completely if a man should present herself as a husband.

 

             Isabel and her uncle talked with each other about the prospect of Isabel’s “success”.In their discussion, Isabel conceives of such success in such abstract terms as her own like – ability and that Mr. Touchett is thinking of it practically- in terms of her ability to marry into the upper class and to achieve the same respect that a European aristocrat would achieve. In the ending chapter, we see old man exposes all the things but Isabel does not want it.

 

          _ ArpitaSaha

 

Chapter VII :

In this chapter Henry James has juxtaposed the American with European qualities. Throughout this chapter , we witness the dilemma of the comparatively naïve America, the product of a young, democratic, and especially unsophisticated culture set against the primitive rule and unspoken mores of Europe.He explores the fact that each society has its  own cultural complex, its own characteristics and that each society inculcates certain values,certain ‘Sanskars’ into it’s members as Mrs.Touchett rightly said that”there are as many point of view in the world as there are people of sense”.The moral innocence of Americans is in full harmony with the idyllic American paradise.These Americans leave America i.e.Eden out of their own free will. – NazeshAfroz

 

Chapter VIII :

In this chaper we may see that ...Since Lord Warburton has invited Isabel to come to see his house, Isabel questions her uncle about him. From Ralph, she has heard that he is a man of very high social position and of great wealth. He is greatly admired and is somewhat of a radical. After she has found out a great deal about him, Isabel mentions that she would like to see him put to a test someday. Mr. Touchett tells her that Lord Warburton will never be a great martyr unless she makes him one. Isabel maintains that she will never make anyone be a martyr and hopes she will never have to be one herself.  At Lord Warburton's house, Isabel meets his two unmarried sisters, the Misses Molyneux. She discovers that they greatly admire their brother and could not conceive of ever disagreeing with him on any subject. Even though the two sisters are quite different from Isabel, they begin to feel a strong friendship for one another. Lord Warburton takes Isabel for a walk and lets her know how charming he finds her. Isabel refuses to believe him and attempts to change the subject. Lord Warburton tells her that she strikes him as having great purposes and vast designs to execute. Isabel denies this and thinks that she only wants to see some more of the world and make a few independent judgments about it. Lord Warburton tells Isabel that he will come to see her again next week. - Bappa Sarkar

 

Chapter IX :

In this chapter  we see that two sisters of Lord Warburton visit Isabel Archer . Isabel is , kind of , amazed to see their reserved typical British girlish nature which is so untypical of any American Lady like Isabel herself . Isabel’s weird interaction with them confirms that they want her to visit their house , Lockleigh .

 

Few days later , Isabel , Ralph and Mrs. Touchett visit the Lockleigh House . Isabel is stunned to see the vastness of the place . Isabel , in the course of her talking to Warburton’s sisters , suddenly asks them , “Is it true that your brother is such a great radical ?” They , although feeling highly amazed , kinda answers her abrupt question positively with necessary sisterly defence .

 

Then Warburton takes Isabel to a short walk in order to talk to her more intimately , in the pretext of explaining the archaeological details of the house and of avoiding the irrelevant gossips going on in the hall . Isabel feels like that she is in some fairy-tale because the garden and the surroundings are so wonderful and fairy .

 

Warburton’s feelings for her are so obvious that in his every word to her , it is evident . The conversation goes awkward , when she says to him , “I am afraid there is no prospect of my being able

To come here again.” Their stylistic way of talking is very relatable to our own virtual chatting . - ©️bikramchowdhury

 

Chapter X :

 At the very beginning of chapter X Isabel received a letter from her friend Miss Stackpole. The letter was about to announce Stackpole’s arrival. Isabel arranges for her to visit Gardencourt. After that Ralph expresses his doubt in journalists, joking that Henrietta will probably write about their lives at Gardencourt. Isabel says that she would not. Ralph and Henrietta get off to an unromantic, but good humored start. Isabel claims that Henrietta is completely independent from men. Henrietta desires to stay for a long time at Gardencourt. Henrietta shows Isabel the article she’s working on, which about the life at Gardencourt. Isabel then gives a suggestion that Henrietta can write about Lord Warburton, who will be visiting soon. On the other hand Ralph shows Henrietta the touchett painting collection. Henrietta then accuses Ralph of being above marriage. She claims that marriage is a duty. Ralph accuses her of not fulfilling the duty also. Ralph in a very playful manner responds that he would be willing to fulfill his duty by marrying her. Henrietta just walks away. Isabel says to Ralph that Henrietta did not mean to flirt with him. Then Ralph and Isabel discuss Henrietta and her unique personality. Ralph recognizes that there is something of the future in Henrietta that, he jokes,“ Henrietta, however, does smell of the Future—it almost knocks one down!”

    ~ Deep Saha

 

Chapter XI :

 

In chapter XI, Ralph continues to get along well with Henrietta, but she also treats his admiration for her with hostility. Mrs Touchett suspects that the journalist dislikes her. Mrs Touchett also dislikes Henrietta because she thinks of her unsophisticated, tedious and brash. The two women argued over English feudalism. Henrietta cannot believe that Mrs  Touchett favours upper-class behaviours of tenancy and servants. Henrietta also sees that the Touchett family are fully Europeanized and they believe that Isabel is beginning to share the same views.

 

Later when the two are alone, Henrietta reveals to Isabel that CarperGoodwood have come to England to meet her and in fact, they were on the same ship together.  Isabel is devastated to hear that Henrietta is taking the lead in talking to Goodwood with her.  Henrietta complains that Isabel has lost her American values and is not doing what Goodwood deserves. Henrietta expects Goodwood will visit Gardencourt to pursue Isabel. Isabel spends the next few days with anxiety. One day, when Isabel is in the garden, a servant gives her Goodwood's letter. In that letter, Goodwood informs her that he is coming to Gardencourt in half an hour and requests Isabel to receive him. As Isabel is reading the letter, Lord Warburton appears in the garden.– Debmalya Bhaduri

 

Chapter XII :

In Chapter XII, Isabel  was shocked after the sudden appearance of Warburton because she knew his intention very well,It reflects clearly that Warburton has something special in his mind for Isabel and finally he expresses

His loves for Isabel. Warburton wants her hand to marry but she politely denied him by telling that he could find someone better than her. Isabel was continuously trying to explain why she cannot accept his proposal , where her rejection is completely shows that she wants to marry an American. Warburton was not upset by her decision. Isabel was in fear for herself about her decision.

 __ Habibur Rahman Sikdar

 

Chapter XIII :

In chapter XIII- After getting a marriage Proposal From Lord  Warburton, Isabel Wished To Speak to someone about her proposal, and then she decided to confide in her uncle Mr. Touchett. Where Mr.Touchett Already knows everything about the proposal because Lord Warburton Wrote him a letter stating his intentions. Mr.Touchett Contemplates Isabel is waiting to see if a better man comes along. But in reality, she doesn't want to marry anyone right now.

Then we learn about Caspar Goodwood, The son of a Cotton mill owner who studied at Harvard College where he was known as a star gymnast. Casper has a skill for mechanics and patented a new cotton spinning process. In a Word, he is a successful young businessman.

Isabel compares Caspar Goodwood with Lord Warburton to appreciates the differences between them and feels that she can't commit herself to either of them. She writes Lord Warburton A Letter thanking him and rejecting the proposal.

Then we see, Her Friend Henrietta Stackpole Invited Ralph Touchett To Take a walk with her in a garden,  and then she asks Ralph for help. She Is tried to match Isabel with Caspar Goodwood. She thinks that Isabel wants to marry an American man and believes that Casper is the right one. Henrietta Asks Ralph To Invite Casper to Gardencourt. But Caspar replies that he is busy.

Then Henrietta Suggests that she and Isabel visit London To see more of English society. Isabel always wanting to experience more. Ralph also decides to join the party. -Hashi Biswas

 

Chapter XIV :

 

In this chapter, Henry James represents the character of Isabel more vividly. Isabel, Henrietta, and Ralph are set to make a journey to London. Lord Warburton comes with his sister to the Gardencourt. He wants to know the reason behind Isabel’s refusal of his proposal. Here Henrietta Stackpole wants to know about the European world for his article and she directly questions Lord Warburton on his private life. But he successfully manages to avoid her.

 

 First of all, he doesn’t pay much attention to Isabel but after lunch, he invites her to Gadercourt’s gallery. In the progress of their conversation, Lord Warburton shows that he doesn’t understand the refusal whereas she is delighted by his character.

  Isabel explains that she can not imagine herself as a wife of Lord Warburton and wants to remain her liberty in prior. It would be easy to be someone’s wife and escape from her fate what she must not like. She wants to go with her destiny whatever it brings to her. She will be happier to receive her uncomfortable future rather than gaining an opportunity by marrying the Lord.

  The ongoing conversation interrupts by Henrietta, Miss Molyneux, and Ralph. Henrietta makes herself invited by Lord Warburton to know more about him in his house. By the time Mrs. Touchett becomes puzzled to come across the news of Isabel’s refusal to Lord Warburton’s proposal.   ---- Kiran Saha

 

Chapter XV :

The Portrait of a Lady is recognized as one of the greatest of the many great works of Henry James.

 In this chapter Mrs. Touchett comes to agree that Isabel was correct in refusing Lord Warburton’s marriage proposal if she does not love him.

We find Isabel a creature of caprices and of a mercurial temper according to her…

Isabela rejects Lord Warburton because she does not love him enough and also she does not want to be a critical wife..

Isabel is a bit defensive, she says that she doesn’t think a woman’s life should begin by marrying someone. She would like to see Europe first..Isabel was feeling guilty and pained at her interactions with Lord Warburton before she left for London. She blame herself for behaving in a “immoral” manner, but pacify herself with the fact that it had to be done, and that she now feels “a feeling of freedom which in itself was sweet.”-   KalitaKarjee

 

Chapter XVI :

  In The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James, we find , in an evening Isabel Archer was sitting  in the dim illumination of Pratt’s Hotel in order to spend some alone time . But she was surprised when a waiter came and told her that a new visitor, named Caspar Goodwood wants to meet her. However, she allows  Goodwood and asks him how he knew that she is in this hotel. He replies that Henrietta informed him of their whereabouts.

 

Isabel  thinks that she is frustrated by Henrietta’s  betrayal and by Goodwood’s unexpected visit.  When she asks why he is coming here , he replies that he is infernally love with her and does not want to lose her although she does not love him. Even when Caspar wants to know how long he must stay away from her ,she states at least for  two years.

Isabel also tells him about the rejection of a marriage proposal last week from an English nobleman ,named Lord Warburton . It shows that she wants to prove that she is not being fickle in her treatment of Goodwood.

Finally , she also  rejects  Mr. Caspar Goodwood’s proposal by firmly stating that she cares, values her personal liberty too much as she says; “It is my personal independence.” In such a situation Caspar has to take leave from there ,convincingly affirming that he will seek out Isabel in two year’s time . They have an intimate moment of clasping hands where Isabel feels great respect and admiration for him although she does not return his depth of feeling . In the end of this chapter , when she heard Goodwood,s walking out from the sitting room , she stands for a moment before closing the door and dropped on her knees before her bed and buries her face in her arms .  -MeherunNesha

 

 

Chapter XVII :

 

In Henry James’woven and it represents every character in a concise way. At the beginning of the chapter after Casper Goodwood’s visit Henrietta asks Isabel about the interview. She informs that Goodwood is returning to America without getting any satisfaction from Isabel. Henrietta is frightened that Isabel is dropping her sense of value and advises Isabel about her conduct. Isabella is forced to tell Henrietta that the affair is closed and requests Henrietta to leave her alone.

Meanwhile, Ralph receives a telegram that his father has taken a turn to the worse. Hearing this Isabel wants to return to Gardencourt. Henrietta says that she has another plan and will not return. Alone with Ralph, Henrietta says that Isabel has sent Mr. Goodwood away.

Then Isabel at Gardencourt enters the drawing room to find some lady playing the piano. She is informed that Mr. Touchett is no better and she is there to visit with Mrs. Touchett. She has already heard about Isabel and introduces herself as Madame Merle, an old friend of Mrs. Touchett. Asking Ralph about Madame Marle, Isabel gets to know that Madame Merle is the Cleverest women he has ever known. 

Ralph talks a lot about his father. He also tells Mr. Touchett that Isabel has turn down another suitor while in London. He also expresses his strong desire for Isabel to have her complete freedom. He wants Isabel to be rich enough and feels that Isabel has a great deal of imagination. He also unveils that Mr. Touchett amends his will to leave half the inheritance intended for his son to Isabel. Mr. Touchett fears that Isabel might fall into the hands of  a fortune hunter. But Ralph believes that Isabel will hardly become a victim of anyone.

 

ManabKarmakar….

 

Chapter XVIII :

 

When Isabel reached Gardencourt she retired to her room noticing that Mrs.Touchett had been continuously with Mr.Touchett. Isabel meets with Madame Merle, a friend of Mrs.Touchett, and is immediately attracted to her.

Despite knowing about Touchett’s good health he fears that he will die soon. He wants to talk with Ralph. During one of his better periods, he tries to give Ralph some advice. He urges Ralph to marry his cousin, Isabel. Ralph acknowledges that if he were not ill, he would be in love with Isabel but he could not marry her because of his illness.

Ralph, however, wants to help Isabel. Mr. Touchett tells Ralph that he had already left a vast legacy of sixty thousand pounds for her . Mr Touchett thinks Ralph’s generosity for Isabel to be immoral.

     -----MamunRoshid

 

Chapter XIX :

 

 Many important developments take place in the novel . A new friendship between Madame Merle and Isabel Archer is forged . Isabel talks so comfortably with Merle in the manner that she never did before . It sounds so inspiring and emotional for the readers who are under forty when Merle says to Isabel , “…I

Often think that after forty one can’t really feel. The freshness, the quickness have certainly gone. You

Will keep them longer than most people; it will be a great satisfaction to me to see you some years hence.

I want to see what life makes of you. One thing is certain—it can’t spoil you. It may pull you about

Horribly; but I defy it to break you up…”

 

 

          In the days when it is raining , they together go walking and talking , and Ralph is self-confined in his room , being ill and unable to step out . Ralph watches them ,walking with two umbrellas up on their heads . They talk of the smell of nature and how it smells . The rain is not that much heavy , so they and their boots are not that much wet while returning into their compartments .

 

         The conversations of Madame Merle and Isabel really reveal a great deal about their personalities and characters . But you know we shouldn’t always trust anyone based on their words only . It may end up in great despair later on . Coming to the story , Merle and Isabel , the duo also talk about the marriage and relationship and the expected financial securities of successful marriage . Although one interesting fact here is that that Isabel has not yet told Merle about the proposals of Casper Goodwood and Lord Warburton . But Merle , a clever and tricky women which will come out in the later part of the novel , kind of thinks that Isabel must have at least one suitor . Then they also talk about Ralph’s being too idle . Merle here now mentions the name of Gilbert Osmond who will play a great role in the novel .Merly then says that she has many people still to be visited in Europe and she leaves .

 

 

          After the departure of Madame Merle , Isabel Archer feels alone . Mrs. Touchett also tells her that she has invited her niece in a wrong time . In this time , she receives a lot of letters from Henrietta who is also in Europe . And she feels delighted to read them . .. Suddenly one day , Ralph comes to her and says that Mr. Touchett is no more . She feels saddened and takes his hands in a gesture of supporting him emotionally . – BIKRAM CHOWDHURY

 

 

Chapter XX :

 

 

Some days later,Madame Merle arrives at the Touchetts' London house.Mrs Touchett greets her despite the loss of Mr. Touchett.Madame Merle thinks that she has been a selfish wife.Madame Merle is astonished when she knows that Mr.Touchett has gifted their niece ,Isabel,a large fortune.Madame Merle requests to see Isabel, and notes the young woman’s “pale and grave” appearance. Isabel is heartbroken by the loss of Mr. Touchett and overwhelmed by her surprising inheritance. However, after some time, she comes to realize that wealth is a great blessing that will allow her “to be able to do.” Mrs. Touchett advises that Isabel must now learn how to take care of her wealth.In Paris, Isabel also reconnects with Henrietta Stackpole. The two spend so much time together that Mrs. Touchett suspects Henrietta’s opinions and attitudes are rubbing off too much on Isabel. Henrietta had spent her first four weeks in Paris with Mr. Bantling, benefitting from his knowledgeable insights about Parisian life. In fact, the two had “breakfasted together, dined together, gone to the theatre together, supped together, really in a manner quite lived together.” They have made plans to meet again in Italy in spring.

 

        --MonalishaKundu

 

Chapter XXI :

In this chapter , Mrs Touchett leaves Paris on the day that she had previously fixed for her departure to visit her son, Ralph to Sam Remo, Italy. Isabel also joins her aunt to meet her cousin, Ralph. After meeting Ralph, Isabel wants to ask a question that his father, Mr Touchett granted to leave her so much money. Ralph reveals that he knows about that. It is a compliment on her that “ so beautifully existing “. She tells Ralph that Henrietta thinks it is bad for her. He tells her to stop thinking so much and “ spread her wings; rise above the ground “. Isabel takes his advice to heart. She admits that she’s afraid of the freedom a large fortune can bring. Ralph says that it is only a problem for the weak and she is certainly not weak. After discussing with Ralph, she feels confident and allows herself to dream big. After that, Isabel thinks of her two suitors, Caspar Goodwood and Lord Warburton. She is recalling that Caspar Goodwood has promised her to contact again in a year and a half. She also thinks about Lord Warburton that, she would not be surprised if he has forgotten her. -Mou Sarkar

 

Chapter XXII :

 We see a complete change in Isabel’s life.. The chapter opens with after the six month of Mr. Old Touchett’s death ..We get a clear description of a vila. Here for the first time we meet Pansy , the daughter of Mr. Gilbert Osmond, whom he loved the most as she obeys his every order ..As we know Mr.Touchett before his death gave a little portion  of his property to Isabel. So here, to get that property Madam Merle and Mr.GilbertOsmand makes a plan , following the plan Mr. Osmand tries to impress Isabel ,, though at first Isabel was little confused about Osmond but later on she agrees to marry him , as Osmond had a great experience about Italy Rome  ,so Isabel thought that with him she could fulfill her dream to explore Europe and also he seems quite gentleman. In this chapter we also get confused about the relationship between Madam Merle and Osmond ,which is remain unclear till the end of the novel .      

Moumita Deb

 

Chapter XXIII :

In this chapter , At Mrs. Touchett’s place, the Palazzo Crescentiniin Florence, Merle comes to visit.Madame Merle fills Isabel’s ears with flattering descriptions of Gilbert Osmond. She arranges for Isabel and Gilbert Osmond to meet. Madame Merle and Osmond talk for most of the time and Isabel, for once, is mostly silent. Osmond invites Madame Merle and Isabel to his house next week. He suggests that he would like Isabel to meet Pansy. Isabel accepts the invitation.

 

Isabel expects that Madame Merle will scold her for her silence and stupidity when Osmond leaves, but instead Merle tells her that she behaved just as she wished. When Madame Merle congratulates Isabel on her captivating  behaviour ,Isabel feels displeasure at this comment, claiming that she is under no obligation to charm Mr. Osmond.

 

When Isabel asks Ralph about Osmond, Ralph only knows that he is a vague, unexplained American who has lived for thirty years in Italy. He knows that Osmond dreads “vulgar” tastes. Isabel says that she wants to have more information about him because it is better to know about one’s dangers. Ralph recommends that Isabel follows her own instincts, and doesn’t listen to people’s opinions about others.

 

Ralph goes on to throw barbed insults about Madame Merle, and Isabel charges him with either speaking plainly or holding his tongue. All he will say is that Merle is too ambitious and that her merits are exaggerated; overall, he feels pity for Merle’s failures to achieve her life desires.

Ralph thinks to himself that Isabel’s friendship with Madame Merle will not last forever, noting that neither person knew the other as well as she supposed. He believes that each will discover the true nature of the other.

    ~Mosaraf Hossain

 

Chapter XXIV :

  Isabel Archer and Madame Merle go to Gilbert Osmond’s hilltop home for a visit. The narrator describes the building as “grave and strong”—a place that, once inside, one “would need an act of energy to get out.” Isabel enters to meet Osmond’s sister first, Countess Gemini, a bird-like woman who bickers with her brother and tells Isabel she has only come to his house to meet the new, young visitor;  there Isabel finds Pansy is innocent and sweet in nature, and judges the Countess to be a superficial character.  Despite Madame Merle’s objections, the countess says to her, “You yourself are Machiavelli—you yourself are Vittoria Colonna!” The Countess Gemini announces that she has called in at the villa to meet Isabel rather than to spend time with her family.

 

              Isabel has difficulty placing Osmond in a class. He is unlike any person she has ever known. His kindness and charm almost overwhelm Isabel. He gives her a rather unflattering picture of himself, but Isabel’s imagination fancies many missing elements.Madame Merle warns the Countess not to interfere because both of them wants to marry well, and in this aim, Isabel will be of immense value.

 

                       Osmond asks Isabel is she will visit him at the villa again. She agrees to do so, but reflects on whether this will affect her plans to travel extensively. Osmond admits to Isabel that his life’s plan is to live a “quiet” life, and that he  has no specific prospects before him. Osmond also makes the curious comment that “ A Woman’s natural mission is to be where she’s most appreciated.” He claims he has renounced all ambition, once he determined at a young age he could not be as exceptional as the pope, an emperor, or a sultan. Instead, he merely hopes to live quietly.

 

     ------- ShubhankitaDas

 

 

Chapter XXV :

The Portrait of a Lady is a novel by Henry James, first published as a book in 1881. It is one the James’s most popular long novels. The Portrait of a Lady is a story of a spirited young American woman Isabel Archer.Henry James offers great analysis of human consciousness and motivations of this free-spirited lady whose freedom is snatched by a trap.

 

In Chapter 25,  Madame Merle and Countess Gemini move on  into the  garden while Osmond and Isabel talk inside. Then the Countess  telling Madame Merle that she plans to interfere in her plan to get Isabel to marry her brother. She says she likes Isabel and wants to save her from their scheme. Madame Merle tells her she is running up against three people who have stronger wills than she does. She includes Isabel Archer in this group. She tells the Countess that she is sure that Isabel has already fallen in love with Gilbert Osmond.

Then Pansy comes up to them .She is like Osmond’s collection of art objects. She fits into his life, not as an individual, but as something that will demonstrate his good taste.Pansy asks permission to make tea for them. She says she likes Isabel very much. Madame Merle and the countess speak of finding Pansy a husband someday. Merle suggests that the Countess’s large social network will also be valuable for finding a partner for Pansy.

Madame Merle informs the Countess that Isabel has seventy thousand pounds, and Countess Gemini responds by saying that it is a pity that such a charming girl needs to be sacrificed.

As a first time reader, it would be easy to overlook t his chapter as the eccentric worries of Countess Gemini, who has been portrayed as a busybody. This foreshadows the true nature of Osmond.

 

NadiraKhatun

 

 

Chapter XXVI :

 

      In this chapter,we find the American man Gilbert Osmond pays five visits to Mrs Touchett’s house in the course of a fortnight. Mrs Touchett gets suspicious about this.She thinks whether Osmond is interested in other members or only Isabel.She has a long conversation with Ralph regarding this fact.Ralph assures her that since Isabel has already refused two likely prospects,she won’t stop at Osmond.Mrs Touchett also discusses the issue with Madame Merle, who assures her by handling the matter herself.

The intentions and motives of Osmond remain shadowy to Isabel.But she is charmed by Pansy.The girl appears to her as “a sheet of blank paper” which she hopes to cover with “an edifying text.”Mrs Touchett wants to avoid the Countess at all costs but Madame Merle reminds her that the Countess is one of the corner-stones of the Florentine social structure and that to offend her would reduce their stay in Florence to a haunting loneliness.

In the meantime, Henrietta arrives in Florence and Madame Merle decides to endure her.Henrietta and Mrs Bantling are to visit Rome and it is agreed that Isabel and Ralph should accompany them.Osmond too wheedles a place for himself in the party.After Isabel had left for Rome, Osmond informs Madame Merle at the Countess’s party at his intended visit.Madame Merle begins to have misgivings about the “abyss” into which she has cast Isabel.Even Osmond is a little disturbed that for all her good qualities her “ideas”will have to be “sacrificed.” - Najelakhatun

 

Chapter XXVII :

 

The Portrait of a Lady written by Henry James is an interesting novel which contains the story of an American  independent woman, Isabel. The novel contains 55 chapters. In chapter 27 of this novel, the independent protagonist ,Isabel makes a group of four people to visit Rome.She gives company with Ralph, Mr. Bantling and Henrietta. One day, they go to visit Old Roman ruins that are already grubbed. Henrietta and Mr. Bantling walk together and Ralph walks alone  to another side to visit an archiological dig. And now Isabel is herself alone. However , she enjoys the moment being alone feels peace in her mind. But her loneliness is not so long. She is suddenly shocked to see Lord Warburton. Both of them are surprised to see eachother. Then they start to communicate eachother. Warburton tries to understand Isabel his feelings for her. He tells that he wrote many letters but he has burned those letters before sending.  Hearing this, Isabel is a little bit curious and wants to be friendly with him though she does not expose her excitement.

 

Next day, the group with Lord Warburton go to visit Saint Peter’s Basilica. They visit many places . Suddenly Isabel discovers Gilbert Osmond . Osmond talks with Isabel and She introduces Osmond with the group. Observing their conversation, Warburton asks Ralph about Osmond and Isabel. He asks that Isabel is agree with Osmond’s proposal or not. Then Ralph says that Isabel usually prevents marriage proposal to save her freedom , independent mind. ---Nuri Firdous

 

Chapter XXVIII :

           In the evening Lord Warburton went to the hotel to meet his friends. But he comes to know that they are at the Opera .So he went there to visit the group.In the Opera box he discovers Isabel Archer seated closely besides Gilbert Osmond.After watching them together ,he decides to go to the upper region and on his way he  met with Ralph.Ralph is alone cause Henrietta accompanied Bantling and gone out to a café to eat icecream.And his cousin doesn’t need him . Ralph suggests Warburton to join Isabel and Osmond. Later Warburton meets with Isabel and exchanges greetings with Mr. Osmond.From the gloomy corner of the theatre he observes their togetherness and get puzzled . With anger and disappoinment he leaves the box.Later Osmond asks Isabel about Warburton ,he learns about Warburton’s wealth  from Henrietta and wishes to be like him. Isabel told him that  he is a noble man .She also added that she likes him but not interested in him.

       The next day Isabel went to the art gallery of Capitol with her companions . In front of the lion collection ,the statue of the Dying Gladiator , she face with Warburton ,he informs Isabel that he is leaving the gallery and Rome. Isabel feels sad and wants to stop him but let him go by saying goodbye. Warburton misunderstood her that perhaps she wants some relief from him.but Isabel corrects him that she hates goodbyes. Warburton left Isabel alone with the satue , sitting in the centre she recalls the past and looks at the sculpture and thinks if they are alive then what they think about her.

Mr. Osmond pleases to see Isabel alone . He feels special by the action that Isabel rejects a noble man.

Here in this chapter Henry James shows ,warbuton’s unconditional love for Isabel and Isabel’s determination for the promise.And through these actions the character changes . -   Pratyusha Mandal

 

Chapter XXIX :

 

In the first section of chapter xxix ,Gilbert Osmond spent a portion of each day with Isabel and her companions which made them believe him the easiest of men to live with. He gradually started liking Isabel. He was very much pleased spending time with her, he had never been that much pleased in his life before. He even wrote a little sonnet 'Rome Revisited' to show Isabel an Italian fashion to commemorate the occasion of life.

Then one day Isabel got an email from Mrs. Touchett, suggesting a travel to Bellagio. Before her departure, Isabel and Osmond had a conversation at hotel in which Osmond told her to meet him after all the travels she wishes for. By this type of statement of Osmond, Isabel thought Osmond disrespects her travel so she condemned him. But Osmond replied that he didn't mean that and tried to remind her his telling that "one ought to make one's life a work of art".

In that conversation Osmond disclosed his love for Isabel which made her shocked. Although Isabel didn't give any response to his proposal that time but she had stopped herself and dropped her gaze upon him. The two remained a while in that situation. Osmond assured her that even if she leaves her when she will come back, she will see the same Osmond falling for her. He will always love her because to him " she is the most important woman." Osmond requested her to visit his daughter before leaving Florence. Isabel agreed and bade him good bye.

When he had gone she sits there alone until her companions return.

In the last section, by the words 'dusky', 'uncertain tract', 'moorland in winter' Henry James depicts Isabel's psychological condition, her inner conflict and the ambiguous nature of her mood. It seems like she already felt the hints of treachery that going to occur on her way, yet she has to cross it.__PriyaSaha

 

Chapter XXX :

 

Isabel and Ralph return to Florence. During the three-day interval before leaving Florence,  Isabel Archer sees Madame Merle who says she is also planning to visit Pansy Osmond, but that one visitor will suffice if Isabel doesn’t mind the potential scandal of being seen going to visit a single man’s house unaccompanied. Isabel goes because she promised she would and because she doesn’t care about the opinions of vulgar people. Pansy talks about her education, her piano practising, and especially her father, “on whose pleasure her entire existence lies”.  She spends an hour talking with Pansy and tells the girl to give her father pleasure by being good and obedient.

 This chapter focuses on Osmond’s daughter Pansy. Pansy Osmond shows readers Gilbert Osmond’s ideal woman. She is, in the midst of the rest of his collection of fine objects , is perfect, beautiful,submissive, and blindly obedient. She literally believes her purpose in life is to give him pleasure, and she promises she will always obey him. Readers may cringe a bit when Pansy declares she would marry her father if she could, as well as at Isabel Archer’s admonitions to the girl to please her father with her obedience. Pansy is the product of the education and grooming Osmond has chosen for her. Readers should note that none of the other characters seem to see anything wrong with this. Even Isabel finds the girl delightful and encourages her to put her father’s pleasure above all else. This may represent the role of girls in the family at the time, and it also foreshadows Isabel’s own role in Osmond’s life as their relationship changes.                   ---SEU ROY

 

Chapter XXXI :

    Summary ---Isabel has returned to Florence after a year abroad.she is waiting for the arrival of a  visitor as she sits in a room, musing over the events in the past year.

   Isabel has spent five months in Paris and Switzerland with her sister Mrs Ludlow and her children and later Mr.Ludlow join them as well.when Isabela returned to Italy Ralph was in corfu and Henrietta has returned to America. She then went to Rome with Madame Merle without paying a visit to her aunt in Florence.From Rome she went to the east for three months with Madame Merle’s company.lsabel detected that there were certain basic and profound difference between Madame Merle and herself.This recognition was suggestive of the gradual decline of their intimacy for Isabel.

    After their return to Rome, Osmond went to Rome and met Isabel a number of times.lsabel then wrote to her aunt saying that she should like to go to Florence. -Ruafsanaparvin

 

Chapter XXXII :

 

Henry James is a famous American novelist and critic. The Portrait of a Lady is one of his popular novels and it is regarded one of his finest novel. The Portrait of a Lady narrates the story of a young American women, Isabel Archer. With the dream of expanding her knowledge and experience the young, innocent and imaginative Archer comes to Europe with her Aunt. Except for winning the favour several suitors, she also inherits a large sum of money.  Unfortunately, She falls into the conspiracy of two American Expatriates afterwards and marries the false man. Though the suitors are still waiting for her, Archer chooses to face the challenging marriage, through which she finally establishes her self-identification.

 

 

 The Portrait of a Lady chapter number 32 begins with the news of Isabel’s engagement to Osmond, an event that James chooses not to narrate. This chapter is glaring contrast to the last chapter – this one is almost entirely dramatic, the previous one being fully descriptive. In that chapter the events are presented through Isabel’s musings. Here, there is direct confrontation between the readers and characters.  We find Isabel at her cruelest. Goodwood takes Isabel’s decision to marry Osmond with ‘Self-Control’ and ‘dumb- misery’ which arouses her ‘agitation’. The goodness of Goodwood’s character does not suffer any damage even here.

 

 

In the middle of Chapter 32 that readers learn Isabel Archer is engaged to Gilbert Osmond and that she sent a letter to Caspar Goodwood to tell him about it. Until that point, readers are left in the dark about why Caspar has traveled across the ocean to visit Isabel—and about why she so dreads his visit. By burying the lead, as it were, the author makes readers wonder what is going on, and their wonder can only increase when they learn of the engagement. Readers ask themselves, along with Caspar, what on Earth could have made Isabel want to change her mind about marriage, and what it is about Osmond that makes him worthy of her. Readers, who know of Osmond’s plot and true nature, will also wonder what trick he has played on Isabel to get her to the point of accepting him.

 

Caspar Goodwood continues to be devoted to Isabel. He is still willing to cross an ocean at a moment’s notice just to see her. He still loves her. And this chapter ends after Isabel has been married for three years- years James also skips over,after skipping over the wedding and the birth and death of Isabel’s son. - MahammadSamimSiddik

 

Chapter XXXIII :

 

In this chapter we see that Isabel is going to tell Mrs. Touchett about her marriage. Although Isabel knew that her aunt would not be pleased with that news of engagement with Mr. Osmond. When Isabel broke the news to her aunt, her aunt said that “You needn’t tell me; I know what it is.” Isabel’s aunt introduced Mr. Osmond as a Madame Merle’s friend. According to Mrs. Touchett Mr. Osmond had no social status and Isabel is fooled by Merle. According to Mrs.Touchett Mr Osmond has no money,no importance in society. But Isabel couldn’t believe in her aunt’s word. Rather Isabel said to her aunt that she had no need to explain that matter. Isabel loves Mr. Osmond very much and his name is good enough for her. Isabel wanted to give the share of her property to Mr. Osmond. Isabel forbade her aunt not to angry with Mr. Osmond. Mrs. Touchett and Isabel went to breakfast after this course of conversation.

After two days Ralph arrives to Florence. Isabel knows that Ralph would be shocked after knowing the news of her marriage, perhaps already shared by her mother (Mrs. Touchett). Isabel shocked to see the poor health of Ralph. Ralph hopes to prevent Isabel from her marriage with Mr. Osmond. And now this time Isabel has been meeting up with Mr. Osmond outside of Palazzo Crescentini everyday and many different places of this city. Then meet publicly with their engagement. – SamimaYeasmin

 

Chapter XXXIV :

One morning, isabel gets home after her drive to see Gilbert Osmond and finds Ralph in the garden. It is beautiful noontide. Ralph seems asleep and as she is about to leave, Ralph opens his eyes and says ,he wasn’t sleeping but thinking about her. What Ralph is trying to think about is the engagement of Isabel with Osmond. Then Ralph apologises for not having congratulated Isabel on her engagement. What is more surprising for Ralph is ,Isabel being independent minded lady has allowed herself to be caught in a cage.

                 Ralph says that the marriage ceremony which Isabel is going to make with Osmond is not safe and secure. The consequence will be harmful as the liberty is going to vanish from her life. Ralph says that he doesn’t find any bright and positive aspect in this marriage. Rather this marriage will bring turmoil, restlessness in the liberal and independent life of Isabel. She is going to take huge risk. This is something which is utterly felt by Ralph. Ralph also thinks that the marriage with Osmond will have ominous impact on her life. But Isabel coldly says whatever you are trying to say ,I’m not getting your point. But the suggestion and instructions of Ralph is no doubt suitable and relevant because Ralph a little bit realised that Osmond is a sort of dominating personality. In the eye of Isabel, Osmond is preeminent, best ,important enough for her. Osmond has nobler natures . But Ralph can speculate the vision of her future. Ralph can realise that it is difficult for him to make her understand what disaster she is going to bring and undergo in her independent life. So the look of bewilderment and pain is explicitly visible in the face of Ralph as he is Isabel’s well wisher. Isabel says that Osmond has great respect for himself but Ralph realises that Osmond is selfish, close minded person who only respects himself, not others. When Ralph says that Osmond is the incarnation of taste ,Isabel cannot see the negative side in it. Actually Ralph is aware of Osmond’s sinister attitudes which Isabel is not aware of . That’s why Ralph scientifically judges and Im personally describes him. Ralph is doing this only because he has love for Isabel but it is hopeless. When Ralph says that Osmond is narrow-minded, selfish ,Isabel is neither frightened nor displeased. She is under the illusion that Osmond is a gentleman who has fine mind, who knows and understands everything and who has kindest and highest spirit. But Ralph doesn’t trust Osmond.

             Ralph is saddened to think that Isabel is using the money in utterly wrong fashion. He only wanted her to be free and she has chosen to be tied down.  Although Osmond doesn’t have property, money, reputation, good name and fame  like Warburton. But still isabel has chosen her .That’s why Ralph is totally shocked how Isabel has changed herself. Isabel is in trouble and she has taken the wrong side by choosing Osmond.

Sandipan Roy

 

 

 

 

Chapter XXXV :

 

The chapter xxxv of Henry James’ ‘The Portrait of a Lady’ begins when Isabel walks around with her lover Gilbert Osmond. She feels separated from her family and friends. She chooses not to tell her lover that her aunt and cousin oppose their marriage for their class differences. Though Isabel doesn’t care about other’s objections. She thinks that she will marry only to please herself not others. On the other hand, Gilbert Osmond thinks of Isabel as a ‘present’ given by Madame Merle. Osmond knows very well that he will get profit from this marriage. But he shows himself to Isabel as he never care for money.

 

      After hearing the news of engagement , Pancy, daughter of Gilbert Osmond gladly congratulate Isabel. According to Pancy, Isabel and her father perfectly matches each other. Isabel makes promise to always be a kind stepmother of Pancy. Countess Gemini wants to tell ills about her brother Gilbert Osmond to Isabel. So she asks Pancy to leave the room. But Isabel stops Gemini by saying that – “ I would rather hear nothing that Pancy may not!”

 

Sangita Dutta

 

Chapter XXXVI :

The best thing about Henry James’s The Portrait of a Lady is that each of its chapters is described beautifully and minutely. At the beginning of chapter 36, we see that the good looking young art collector, Edward Rosier pays a visit to Madame Merle’s house in an autumn afternoon of 1876. The main reason behind his visit to Merle is to get a favor from her. While he was in Saint Moritz over the summer, he met a very beautiful young woman there, named Pansy. He was completely bewitched by her charming beauty and fall in love at very first sight. He describes her as “admirably finished”, “consummate piece”. This is the girl he was looking for earnestly. He is now desperate to marry her by any means. He knows Madame Merle has a good acquaintance with the family of Pansy. Therefore, he asks for Madame Merle’s advice as well as her intervention in recommending him as a good suitor for Pansy to Mr and Mrs Osmond and tries to win their heart through her.

 

In Madame Merle’s house, Rosier notices a beautiful collection of various objects and appreciates the same. However, Madame Merle agrees to help him. She asks him about his current financial condition. To reply Rosier tells her that he earns forty thousand francs a year but Madame Merle thinks that this amount of money is not enough to live on with a wife in a comfortable manner. She suggests that Pansy could have gotten some fortunes as dowry but Isabel may keep it for her own children rather than giving it to Pansy. She also gives us a hint that there may be trouble in Isabel and Osmond’s relationship since they have completely different views on almost everything. They are kind of opposite to each other.

 

Later on, Rosier himself goes to visit Pansy’s family in Rome thinking Madame Merle will not help him that much. In Osmond House, Mrs Osmond arranges a social gathering every Thursday night regularly. Here he usually meets and tries to express his feelings to

Pansy. He now approaches Isabel for asking Pansy’s hand in the marriage but she responds that she has no power in her hand in this regard. The lovelorn man looks helpless.

 

At the end of chapter 36, Rosier is seen describing Osmond’s house which is located in the very heart of Rome. He doesn’t like the house at all. He thinks that this “dark” and “dungeon-like” little house is not much suitable for his beloved Pansy. The house appears as a gloomy prison to him, in which, he thinks, girls are kept away from their true lovers.

 

SelimAktar

 

Chapter XXXVII :

This chapter introduces the subject of Roiser’s marriage with Pansy. Rosier enters the home, which is full of other guests, hoping to find Pansy. He approaches Osmond who, by offering his left hand to Rosier and by his rudeness, shows that he knows of Rosier’s feelings and does not approve of them . Rosier understands his meaning. Rosier finds himself alone with Pansy and, despite his promise to Madame Merle, cannot keep himself from telling her something of his feelings. She seems happy to know that he cares for her, but she wants to tell her father about it .

 

Meanwhile, Osmond and Madame Merle speak of the young couple. Osmond confirms to Madame Merle his rejection of the young man as a suitor for his daughter, despite Madame Merle’s claims that she knows that Pansy cares for Rosier too. That doesn’t matter to Osmond. He says that he educated Pansy so as to be certain that she will obey him in such situations. Madame Merle can tell at once when the young couple enter the room that Rosier has spoken to Pansy, and she tells Rosier to come and see her the next day. Rosier speaks to Isabel who gives him no encouragement, claiming to have no control over Osmond.

 

This chapter is important in terms of the development of the story of the novel . Most interesting fact in this chapter is the brutal parallel which exists between the pursuit of Isabel by Osmond and Roiser’s pursuit of Pansy.

Seu Roy

 

Chapter XXXVIII :

 Madame Merle again convinces Rosier to be patient, and to only call on pansy on Thursday evenings, when the Osmonds have a sort of open house for all of their acquaintance. On such a Thursday, Rosier goes to the Osmonds and greets Gilbert Osmond again.Osmond finds out that Rosier has been taking advice from Madame Merle. Rosier tries to convince Osmond that his daughter loves him as much as he loves her. Isabel pretends not to care about his pursuit of pansy.Osmond presents Isabel with a visiting friend :Lord Warburton. Osmond stays long enough to have some superficial conversation with his wife and her old friend. Rosier, left to his own puppy like devices, goes on to find pansy. Lord Warburton tells Isabel that he accompanied Ralph to Rome, and that they will be around for a while. He also tells Isabel that Ralph’s health is much worse, and he hopes she’ll come to visit him soon. Ralph’s health has been declining rapidly. He had been staying alone at Gardencourt, but it wasn’t good for him. Mrs. Touchett is in America, and, as is her way, won’t let anything ruin her trip, not even her son’s illness. Pancy has been talking with Rosier all the while and asks who Lord Warburton is. Pansy says that she will not disobey her father’s wishes, however, she loves Rosier as much as she loves her father. Rosier worries that her father will change Pansy’s mind,but pansy claims that will never happen. Isabel suggests that she is more accommodating now. Lord Warburton comments that marriage has not changed Isabel as much as he had thought Pansy’s mind, but pansy claims that will never happen. She will ask Isabel for help. She seems to have great faith in the powers of her stepmother. Ned worries that Isabel won’t do anything because she is afraid of Osmond. Pansy curtseys to Lord Warburton from across the room.

 

Shaswati Das

 

Chapter XXXIX :

 

SUMMARY – Ralph uttered his thoughts about Isabel’s marriage which is probably not surprising. We find that Ralph has ideas and thoughts about her unhappiness and she is playing the part of a happy wife which is nothing but falsehood. She is pretending to be happy actually. Ralph notices a difference in her. Ralph has warned her about the malicious nature of Osmond. He perfectly knew that a toxic relationship is going to be created between the couple once isabel accepts Osmond as her husband. But Isabel misunderstood Ralph and thought that he has insulted Osmond.

           The wedding was conducted in Florence . The marriage ceremony was not grand. Only countess Gemini ,pancy and Mrs Touchett had been invited. They were there to witness it. But Henrietta had not been invited because she critically observed and minutely examined Osmond. That’s why Osmond didn’t have any respect for Henrietta. In other words, Osmond disliked her. Isabel wondered that Osmond’s sense of humour was totally defective. He had not good sense of humour. So he created conflict and hindrance between the friendship of Henrietta and Isabel. Another thing is Mrs Touchett had formal relationship with Isabel. She had broken her friendship with Madame Merle. It is very disappointing for Ralph that Isabel has changed herself under the influence of Osmond. There was some violence in her impulse which surprised him .she has exaggerated too much about Osmond. We learn that Osmond’s ambition is not to please the world but to please himself.

              Isabel constantly wondered  that what fine principles kept Ralph alive. She anticipated that it might be love of conversation, and hope and desire of seeing the future of couple. When Ralph stayed for long time in Rome ,he realised that Osmond must protest this. Ralph decided to leave the place with the hope of not troubling the couple. Osmond sent carriage for Ralph to visit in Palazzo Roccanera. Ralph decided that he will never go to Sicily. He wanted to stay in Rome and he told this in  the tone of jocosity. Then Warburton suggested him that Rome is not a suitable and comfortable place for Ralph. Sicily might be a warm and charming place for him. Ralph replied vividly that “ I don’t want to die on the sicilian plain – to be snatch away like Proserpine in the same locality to the plutoniun shades “ Ralph added by saying that he doesn’t want to make any trouble between them. Osmond is not fond of his wife’s cousin. Although Ralph is much interested in Isabel instead of his ramshackle health. In the conversation with Warburton, Ralph asked whether Warburton is planning to propose pancy or Isabel. He asked whether Warburton doesn’t intend to love isabel by showing his interest in Pansy .

Sandipan Roy

 

 

Chapter XL :

 

 

Being a part of the literary realism movement, Henry James always tries to capture the glimpse of life as realistically as possible. He is also very renowned for his studies on ‘the American girl’ which is very evident in his classic creation of contemporary American Literature –‘ The portrait of a Lady’ published in 1881. The novel contains so many dimensions to be discussed and here we encounter with marriage market in a very realistic way. In chapter 40 the protagonist of the novel Isabel rethinks about her marriage with Gilbert Osmond and of course about those indications which were made by Mrs Touchett to make her aware of Madame Merle’s cool brain conspiracy against her. Being a worshipper of freedom Isabel cannot but praise Madame Merle as she thinks “there was something gallant in the way she kept going”. But gradually the unsuccessful marriage of Isabel and Osmond comes to light and it’s just because of her fortune Osmond and Madame Merle composed this marriage by pretending love. Despite everything, Isabel says “ let me bear my burdens myself and not shift them upon others” which represents her real independent nature even in the worst moment of life. Osmond’s daughter Pansy is very close to the heart of her stepmother –“to be more for the child than the child was able to be for herself “.

         After a walk with Pansy, she discovers Madame Merle and Osmond together in a room and feels a new “ impression” of their activity. Having seen Isabel Mr Osmond jumps up to leave the room. Madame Merle engages to speak to Isabel about her daughter’s suitors and in a way or other both of them agree to consider Lord Warburton as a better match for the girl than Mr Roiser. So we can see how materialism declares its triumph over romanticism. With “quick looks” Madame Merle says Isabel to use her influence upon Lord Warburton to make the marriage take place as she has already well known about their earlier affair. By going through the chapter or as well as the novel we can see the changes in the situation and their intense impact, especially on Isabel. The protagonist who believes”on her own side her sense of the girl’s independence was more than a pleasure” pathetically becomes a confined bird-“one folly was enough, especially when it was to last forever “ and thus freedom gets its confinement in front of everyone.

Sreyashi Bhattacharyya

 

Chapter XLI :

In chapter XLI of ‘The Portrait of a Lady ‘ by Henry James, we find Isabel sitting alone in the drawing-room and Osmond entered into the room. At ten o’clock Lord Warburton had come to their house as he knew it well that Isabel is now at home. She asked him about Ralph and wished him to talk with Pansy and pretended to read a book. We find Isabel remembering her unhappy married life with old Osmond. Here we come to know Pansy the daughter of Osmond loved Mr. Rosier, but her father had chosen Lord Warburton for her as he possessed many wealth and assets. But in Pansy’s eyes, Mr. Rosier was the nicest person of all the young men. But she was obedient to her father but couldn’t marry Warburton.

 

 Isabel told Warburton about Mr. Rosier and his sadness for Pansy. And told him to leave Pansy because she knew it very well that he wanted to come closer to her through Pansy. After that, we see the conversation between Isabel and Osmond about Pansy and Lord Warburton. He asked Isabel if she told Warburton about Mr. Rosier and the answer what he got from Isabel was positive. Their conversation also shows a glimpse of their unhappy married life. This chapter ends with an argument on Lord Warburton and at last, we see Osmond leave the room.

      --Shilpi Mridha

 

Chapter XLII :

 

Isabel begins to remember her life before the unexpected marriage as when asked by Osmond to influence Lord Warburton into marrying Pansy. The thought that is she still desirable to Lord warbuton among the other women weaves in her mind. Lord Warbuton marrying pansy for the sake of his love for Isabel grows in  Isabels thought but again she dismisses this idea countering with the idea of loving both the ladies at once. Isabel tries to dig out what went wrong in her marriage with Osmond. At the outset, both of them enjoyed the growing-up relationship that ended up into a marriage. But after one year everything just falls around her like a castle of cards. She then recalls that it would be her fancy and imagination about the personality of Osmond that makes her behave according to the ideas of Osmond before the marriage. But afterward, she just can’t walk into the footprints of Osmond’s ideology that wanted to make her a piece of his ego. Isabel then goes on to mourn about the fortune of Mr. Touchett’s with which she tried to build an empire of intellect and liberty of soul but never been able to see through the mask of Osmond’s apparent taste and moral values. To Isabel, Ralph’s brotherly presence has been the pillar to withstand the brutality of her husband, and Osmond can’t do with these frequent visits of Isabel to Ralph. However, Isabel has always concealed the reality of her marriage to Osmond. At four o’clock in the morning, Isabel pretends a sleep with the memory of Osmond and Merle looking at each other on that day.

 

SHUBHADIP BASAK

 

Chapter XLIII :

 

Three Nights after her night-long meditation over her  situation , Isabel took Pansy to a great dance party, wherein the latter participates. In the meantime,Ned Rosier appears on the scene. Rosier wants to hold Pancy’s bouquet , but Isabel will not permit him to.She , however , permit him to choose a flower from the bouquet.Pancy has refused to dance with Rosier. Isabel is deeply touched. As Pancy returns with her partner , Rosier looks at her before walking away. Pansy does not talk to him direct, and counts the flowers in her bouquet. Isabel realises their deep love for each other. As Pancy leaves for another dance, Lord Warburton comes in and joins Isabel. Lord Warburton proposes a dance to Isabel but she declines. They enter into a conversation, and Pancy returns to them. Pancy’s torn dress is amended by Isabel. Pancy now goes away and Warburton returns to Isabel and asks her to go to quiet place to Converse further. On the way, they meet Rosier whose sad look elicits Warburton’s interest. On inquiry, Isabel tells him that Rosier is in love with Pansy. She asks the Lord whether he is truly in love with Pancy. His attitude and manner convinces Isabel that he wants to marry Pansy to be near herself. Isabel  finds an excuse to go away from Warburton. Meeting Rosier, she tells him that She will do her best to fulfil his desire. Rosier is surprised to hear so. Warburton sees off isabel and Pansy.  Before leaving, Isabel reminds Warburton to send his letter proposing for Pancy’s hand.

 

 

                  --- ShubhashreeBanik

 

Chapter XLIV :

The Countess Gemini wishes to live in Time, as her own home in Florence is unexciting, and accepts her brother Osmond’s invitation to stay with his family for a period. The Countess Gemini is convinced that Isabel leads a more exciting life than her own, but she is not envious of her sister-in-law. Isabel, meanwhile, is slightly intimidated by the Countess but enjoys her company.

 

Henrietta explained that she had come to see the Countess because she was the only person she knew in

 

Florence, and that when she visited a foreign city she liked to see something more than superficialtravellers. She knew Mrs. Touchett, but Mrs. Touchett was in America, and even if she had been in

 

Florence Henrietta would not have gone to see her, for Mrs. Touchett was not one of her admirations.

 

            Henrietta Stackpole arrives uninvited at the home of Countess Gemini who is making preparations to visit her brother in Rome. Henrietta is leaving for Rome the next day and asks about Isabel Archer. The countess says she heard Lord Warburton is in Rome, “making love” to Isabel. This upsets Henrietta who fears Isabel is unhappy. She is shocked, but the countess says all men do it. Henrietta and Isabel have grown apart since Isabel married, and Henrietta knows Gilbert Osmond dislikes her. She warns Caspar Goodwood, also in Florence, not to go to Rome, but he is not dissuaded from his plan—he wants to see how Isabel is doing.

 

        Before leaving Florence, Henrietta meets Caspar Goodwood, who has come again to Europe because he has heard how unhappy Isabel is. He and Henrietta discuss Isabel’s plight and decide to take the same train to Rome.

 

        ----- Shubhankita Das

 

Chapter XLV :

 

In chapter 45 of the novel “The Portrait of a Lady”, the author reveals more about Pansy Osmond’s character. Still, she happily submits to her father’s will and shows her perceptiveness and intelligence. She knows that her father cannot control whom she loves. She is free to go on loving Edward Rosier, even if she is not free to marry him. She realizes that Lord Warburton understands she doesn’t want him to pursue her. Pansy has no worries at all that he will propose. She determines not to tell her father about this, though, as long as Pansy hopes Lord Warburton will propose, her father will not come up with or suggest another suitor for her. Pansy smiles with bright assurance: she is sure that Lord Warburton will not ask. Isabel feels awkward at Pansy’s assurance because she feels like she is being accused of dishonesty. Isabel suggests that Pansy should tell her father about her lack of interest in Lord Warburton, but Pansy says that she’d rather not, since she’d rather not be with anyone, if not Rosier. Pansy explains that Warburton is kind enough not to ask. She effectively controls his response by withholding information, demonstrating she is capable of more.                                –Subhadip Barman

 

 

 

Chapter XLVI :

 

After reading of chapter 46 we,the readers come to know that,Lord Warburton does not visit the Osmond family home. Osmond notices his absence and asks Isabel about it. She reveals that Warburton promised to write to Osmond about his intentions regarding Pansy. Osmond still has not received any letters from the nobleman. He insults Isabel for the previous letters between Isabel and Lord Warburton during her time at Gardencourt. They argue, albeit politely, and Isabel informs her husband that he will have to write to Lord Warburton if he wants to, because she will not write for him. Osmond accuses Isabel of being disloyal to her husband.

 

Isabel and Osmond’s marriage further deteriorates, with Osmond growing suspicious of Isabel’s obedience to his wishes. Ironically, she has been very loyal to Osmond’s desires. A little of the “old” Isabel shows when she instructs Osmond that he will have to write to Lord Warburton himself. She is beginning to rebel against the social convention that a woman must obey her husband’s will.

 

 Lord Warburton enters the room. He informs the Osmonds that he is departing for England, although he is sorry to have to leave Ralph. Osmond leaves the room, while Pansy enters to bid the nobleman goodbye. Lord Warburton advises her to be happy, for she has “a guardian angel” looking out for her well-being. Warburton leaves the house in a gentlemanly manner, at which Pansy tells Isabel that she considers Isabel to be her “guardian angel.”

Lord Warburton’s appearance and announcement are very abrupt. Clearly, Warburton still loves Isabel as he thinks of her with the highest regard.

 

When Osmond is alone with Isabel later that day, he accuses her again of being disloyal to him. Isabel is no longer hurt at his insults and bids him to lay out his complaint clearly to her. Osmond contends that she has intentionally foiled Pansy’s union with Lord Warburton. Although Isabel denies this and highlights the fact that Pansy never had any feelings for Warburton, Osmond is convinced at her betrayal. Isabel exclaims “Poor little Pansy!” before she walks away from Osmond.

 

-         SudiptaSaha

 

Chapter XLVII :

 

 

Henry James’ novel “The Portrait of a Lady “is outwardly simple but it bears deeper meaning and it is also interesting. This novel is a psychological realism. In the chapter XLVII,we see that Henrietta Stackpole already arrived in Rome. Henrietta wanted that Isabel should leave Osmond but Isabel denied to do that though Isabel had confessed that she had made a mistake by saying”But I can’t publish my mistake.” So she could not do anything deliberately against Osmond . Afterall she married him in the face of the world. Here Miss Stackpole gave the latest news about Mr. Banting to Isabel.

 

Casper Goodwood came at last. Before coming,he had written a letter to Isabel. From then Isabel frequently met Goodwood. She eagerly wanted to know his purpose of coming but ultimately she found that there was no self-centred reason but pure amusement. Isabel offered him a service requesting him to go and meet her ailing cousin Ralph. She wanted him to behave well with her cousin . On hearing Ralph’s illness, Henrietta also visited Ralph frequently though they are enemies of each other outwardly . Gradually they became friends. Isabela planned to send Ralph north with Caspar. She also thought that Ralph should die in his own house in Garden Court . Meanwhile Madame Merle had returned from Naples and the Countess Gemini ,Rosier all arrived in Rome and the chapter was ended with Merle’s speech.

 ~~Sushmita Ghosh

 

Chapter XLVIII :

 

In “The Portrait of a Lady” by Henry James the chapter XLVIII starts with Ralph’s decision to return to England so he can die at home and Henrietta accompanies him. Henrietta persuades  Gemini that rumors about Isabel and Lord Warburton are not true, but Gemini is not convinced. Henrietta again urges Isabel to leave Gilbert Osmond. Henrietta encourages Isabel before the worst occurs. To hear about Ralph’s health condition, Isabel wants to come and see him. But Ralph knows that Osmond does not allow it. Isabel insists that she can arrange for it.

          Casper visits the Osmond home on his last evening in Rome and Osmond talks about how happy his marriage is. Casper gets Isabel alone to tell Isabel he still loves her. He realizes that though it is none of his business whether or not she is happy. She finally admits she is unhappy.

 

-         SnehaDebnath

 

Chapter XLVIX :

 

In chapter XLIX we observe that Madame Merle returned from Naples shortly after lord Warburton had left Rome.It’s needless to say,once lord Warburton was a  wooer of Isabel.merle asks about his but Isabel says rudely “you had better ask Pansy”.Isabel was very suspicious about Merle.Isabel asks Merle what’s her intention and also says”what have to do with my husband?”,”What have to do with me?”Merle gives monstrous and horrifying response”Everything”.By covering her face with her hands, Isabel heartily realises that Mrs.Touchett was right.

 

    This afternoon Isabel took a drive ,alone to see Rome.she feels her catastrophe that Merle is not her well-wisher but a trickster.She realises Osmond married her for money.But what’s Madame  Merle’s benefit? Isabel wondered if he wanted her money,he would take it and let her go,she also thought that Mr.Touchett’s charity would help her.After many analysis she regrets for Merle and said “poor Madame Merle.”

 

    In conversation with Osmond Merle said that Osmond dried her soul.Merle additionally blames Osmond for shaping her into a wicked lady infront of Isabel.She claims that Isabel is scared of him which Osmond denies.she thoughts that Osmond wanted to be good to Isabel by making her worse.She concludes that it’s his archness or triumph over her.So, she hopelessly murmured”Have I been so vile all for nothing .” -Tanushree Biswas.

 

Chapter L:

 The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James. It is one of the James’s most popular novel. The story is one of a spirited young American woman, Isabel Archer. The novel is set in Europe, mostly England and Italy. Marriage is very important issue in this novel.

 

              Countess Gemini was unacquainted with the ancient monument. Isabel is introduced her to these interesting relics. The Countess to think her sister-in-law a prodigy learner’s. Isabel was not a severe exhibitor. Isabel used to visit the ruins chiefly, because they offered an excuse for talking about other matters than the love of the ladies of Florence. Pansy had a little chance for her view of the matter was an interested. One day three women’s went into the Coleseum  together for excursion, but Isabel left her companions because the place is wander over. Mr. Edward Rosier’s an attitude and gentleman proved that have been considering the question of speaking to Isabel.

 

           Mr. Edward Rosier’s sold his bibelots. He has money forty thousand dollars and hopes he will now be allowed to marry with Pansy. Isabel tells him that Mr. Gilbert Osmond intends to marry Pansy to a nobleman. Pansy approaches and Isabel moves to intercept her. The Countess goes to speak to Rosier, and after some time, Isabel sends the coachman to retrieve. But the Countess sends him back, saying that she prefers to speak to Mr. Rosier and will return home in a cab.

 

            A week later, Isabel was going late to dress for dinner. Pansy was sitting in her room. Pansy shocks Isabel by saying that her father is sending her back to the convent because Mr. Osmond thinks that a young girl for making a retreat, the world is very bad for a young girl. Pansy is trying to self – control. At dinner that night, the Countess says to her brother that she believes he was banished his daughter to remove her from the Countess’s influence for the Countess admits that she has taken the part of Edward Rosier. Mr. Osmond replies harshly that if that were the case, he would simply have banished the Countess and allowed Pansy to stay. - TonushreeMurmu

 

Chapter LI :

 

A week after Pansy’s departure, Isabel receives a telegram from Mrs. Touchett. Ralph is nearing his death and would like to see his cousin if possible. Isabel tells Osmond that she needs to travel immediately to Gardencourt, but he doesn’t allowed her to. He thinks she is visiting Ralph just to inspite him. If she disobeyed his wishes, he will view it as a ‘calculated opposition’ to her husband. Isabel suggests that it is his own opposition that is malignant and calculated. Osmond contends that, he takes their marriage very seriously and values honor above all. Isabel exists the room, infuriated.

 

Isabel talks to the Countess Gemini about her predicament. The Countess comforts her and encourages her to defy Osmond’s instruction by travelling to Gardencourt. Then she reveals that Osmond’s first wife didn’t have any children and that Pansy was born after her death. Pansy was the result of his long time affair with Madame Merle. Isabel wonders why Osmond never married Madame Merle, and the Countess responds that Merle does not have enough money. Merle herself also still wanted to marry a great man.

 

The Countess concludes the conversation by asking Isabel if she will go on her journey after all. Isabel looks ill, and declares with an “infinite sadness” that she must see Ralph.

 

        ---Tanmay Paul

 

Chapter LII :

 

In Chapter 52, Isabel decides to visit her cousin Ralph in London. But before she leaves Rome she decides to visit Pansy at the convent. But she is shocked to find Madame Merle. Madame Merle Observes Isabel’s behaviour. She finds that Isabel knows about her secret. She has some connection with Osmond and Pansy. Isabel informs Madame Merle She came to say goodbye to Pansy. Madame Catherine assists Isabel to visit Pansy in her room. Pansy Bursts into happiness after seeing Isabel. After some moment she tells about her visit to London. And she offers to go with her to London. But Pansy can’t ignore his father’s advice. She says she fears Madame Merle and Osmond. Isabel urges her not to say something like that again. Madame Merle Waits for Isabel in the convent. She tells about her wealth. Isabel’s cousin Ralph gave his all fortune to her. Isabel rebukes her by saying her all misery is caused by Marle. And She doesn’t want to see her face again. After Isabel leaves the convent Merle wishes to travel to America.

-         Utpal Kumar Das

 

Chapter LIII:

 

  After the thorough reading of chapter 53 we,the readers come to know that Isabel Archar finally reaches  in London.During her journey from Rome to London  she seems to be a little vague about her future.She decides not  to see Madame Merle again.She considers herself  a valuable one being able to undergo all such incidents,but at the same time she questions her own judgement to call herself ‘valuable’.She even envies Ralph as he is going to die soon…and death will certainly make him free which Isabel herself  wishes a lot…to die and to be free.

 

  Here she meets her friend Henrietta and Mr.Bantling. In reply to Henerita’s question about Osmond …whether he has made  any scene or not on her visit to Ralph,Isabel has answered that he objected but that was not a scene.It seems that Isabel actually  has no clear anwer to offer. Through their conversation between each other, along with Isabel, we also come to know about the engagement between Henrietta and Mr. Bantling.Isabell congratulates them but at the same time the pair seems to be a little artificial to her …..She is also a little upset …. May be as she is scared because of her own unsuccessful marriage…or may be because of the complete end of their own beliefs on leading an independent life. - Durba Sarkar.

 

Chapter LIV:

 

The Chapter-54 begins with Isabel's arrival at Ralph Touchett's house at Gardencourt. While waiting for her aunt Mrs. Touchett, she was recalling her past connection with that small household. She pondered upon the changeability of human being and the unchangeability of things which in turn shows her acute observations on life. Mrs. Touchett, after joining Isabel, informed her about Ralph's health in a very cold way. It was Mrs. Touchett who gave her the news that her suitor Lord Warburton was going to be married soon. This news increased the throbbing of her heart , however, she controlled it as she observed that she was under the surveillance of her aunt. Later in that evening, Isabel and Ralph spent long time together. She observed that Ralph was in his deathbed. Ralph, by using all his strength, tried to speak his heart out before the eternal silence. Their conversation bring forth many untold stories and mutual 'understand'ings. They expressed their love for each other and Isabel was grieving over the fact that it was Ralph's property which made her rich but she did nothing for Ralph in return. The chapter ends with Ralph's advice in which he said Isabel to remind that though she had been hated, she had also been loved. - SriparnaDatta

 

 

Chapter LV :

 

We know that it was the second time at Gardencourt ,Isabes remembers that when she first came to Gardencourt , she asked Ralph to show her its ghost .He had told her that she would have to suffer before she could see the ghost. That night, she sees Ralph’s ghost beside her bed.She rushes to his room and finds that he has died.

     She is surprised to see Caspar Goodwood ,at the funeral. He seems to have some “complex intention” in being there and it makes Isabel uneasy. She can’t decide whether or not to return to Italy. After a while, she sees Mrs. Touchett and Lord Warburton coming out to join them ,he looks very solemn and tells her he must leave soon. He invites her to come see his sisters. She congratulates him on his marriage and he blushes .Then he leaves. Mrs.Touchett has already gone inside, so Isabel wanders around the garden longer. Isabel realizes she is near the same bench upon which she sat reading the letter from Caspar Goodwood before Lord Warburton had arrived and proposed to her. She sits on the bench until dusk ,when she looks up to find Caspar. He says Ralph had asked him to help her and that both men knew Gilbert Osmond is a “fiend.” He urges Isabel not to return to a husband who will punish her.He says he will do anything to help her ,and he doesn’t care about social consequences . He will love her forever. Crying, Isabel tells him to leave. Caspar grabs her and kisses her. As he aggressively embraces her , his “ hard manhood “ brings everything she dislikes about him to her mind . She runs away. When Caspar calls at Gardencourt a few days later, he learns Isabel has left for London. He goes to Henrietta Stackpole’s in search of Isabel, but Henrietta tells him Isabel has already left for Rome . -SadhanMondal .

 

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Prepared by the 2^nd Semester students of the Department of English, University of Gour Banga, Malda, West Bengal, India

 

Thank you so much for reading it