The Portrait of a Lady
by Henry James is a novel about
Isabel Archer
, a spirited and independent young American woman who travels to Europe in search of freedom and self-fulfillment. After rejecting several marriage proposals, she unexpectedly inherits a large fortune. However, her newfound wealth leads her into a disastrous marriage with
Gilbert Osmond
, a manipulative and controlling man who values appearances over affection.
As Isabel comes to terms with the consequences of her choices, the novel explores themes of
freedom, identity, betrayal, and societal expectations
. Ultimately, Isabel faces a painful moral and emotional dilemma, forced to choose between personal happiness and a sense of duty.
The novel is considered one of Henry James's masterpieces, celebrated for its psychological depth and complex portrayal of its heroine's inner life.