文档介绍：The Portrait of a Lady Themes
Old world versus New World: Contrast between European and American lifestyles and culture.  Emphasizing liberty of America and the social constraints of Europe.
Psychological: An experiment to see what happens when an idealistic young woman suddenly es very rich. Exploring the main character's thought process.
Freedom vs. Responsibility: Isabel Archer's freedom diminishes as she inherits a great deal of money.
Social Maturation: through loss, disappointment, and suffering, Isabel finally matures and realizes she must do what is expected of her.
Henry James
Isabel Archer 
The novel's protagonist, the Lady of the title. the adult Isabel is widely read, imaginative, and confident in her abilities.
Isabel Archer is portrayed as an innocent American. Her innocence is the primary element of her sense of her freedom.
伊莎贝尔——小说的女主人公,也是标题中的女主人。
Henry James
Characters
Mrs. Touchett -  Isabel's aunt. Mrs. Touchett is an indomitable, independent old woman who first brings Isabel to Europe.
Caspar Goodwood  -  The son of a prominent Boston mill owner, Isabel's most dedicated suitor in America. Goodwood's charisma, simplicity, capability, and lack of sophistication make him the book's purest symbol of James's conception of America.
Henry James
Characters
Gilbert Osmond  - A cruel, manipulative, narcissistic gentleman of no particular social standing or wealth, who seduces Isabel and marries her for her money. An art collector, Osmond poses as a disinterested aesthete, but in reality he is desperate for the recognition and admiration of those around him.
Henry James
Characters
Madame Merle -  An plished, graceful, and manipulative woman, Madame Merle is a popular lady who does not have a husband or a fortune. Motivated by her love for Gilbert Osmond, Merle manipulates Isabel into marrying Osmond, delivering Isabel's fortune into his hands and ruining Isabel's life in the process.
Henry James
Characters
Ralph Touchett -  Isabel's wise, f