Analyses of the Characters of the Heroine Isabel in The Portrait of A Lady

The portrait of a lady — a representative work of American writer Henry James, who is a novelist, literary critic, play-wright, essayist and one of the pioneers of psychoanalytic novels. This novel was published in 1881 and seen as a beginning ofAmerican modern literature by western critic for his exquisite, rigorous and vivid description. The work demonstrates the theme ofmutual attraction and mutual conflict between American bourgeoisie and European feudal aristocracy through the experiences ofthe heroine Isabel leaving America to Europe. Based on the studies of forefathers and combined with literature research, this the-sis is to make an in-depth analysis of Isabel's complex characters and probe into her tragic marriage which results from her defec-tive characters. Through the analyses of four stages of Isabel's life, this thesis helps readers understand Isabel more.Besides, itawakes and helps readers, especially contemporary female readers, to think carefully when they seek freedom.

The portrait of a lady -- a representative work of American writer Henry James, who is a novelist, literary critic, play- wright, essayist and one of the pioneers of psychoanalytic novels. This novel was published in 1881 and seen as a beginning of American modern literature by western critic for his exquisite, rigorous and vivid description. The work demonstrates the theme of mntuM attraction and mutual conflict between American bourgeoisie and European feudal aristocracy through the experiences of the heroine Isabel leaving America to Europe. Based on the studies of forefathers and combined with literature research, this the- sis is to make an in-depth analysis of Isabel＇ s complex characters and probe into her tragic marriage which results from her defec- tive characters. Through the analyses of four stages of Isabel＇s life, this thesis helps readers understand Isabel more.Besides, it awakes and helps readers, especially contemporary female readers, to think carefully when they seek freedom.