The Portrait of a Lady

The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this in graduate school but couldn't remember how it ended so I read it again. The ending is ambiguous and supremely unsatisfying so no wonder I didn't recall it. But even with careful reading the first time, the second time around uncovers so much of James' genius in writing the inner life of his characters. His extended metaphors and sly foreshadowing are delightful. His characters shine--Ralph is so witty and sardonic, Henrietta so forcible and opinionated but a true friend, Lord Warburton so gallant, Caspar so laughably hopeful and earnest, and Osmond so snakily smooth and cruel. How does an American girl, educated, open, and now even unfettered by material wants, and who longs for experiences and freedom so much get herself so thoroughly and fixedly trapped? The fact that we don't really know what Isobel decides to do in the final act makes it harder to conclude the point James was making. But the compassion and depth of understanding for his protagonist makes this not just a great psychological thriller but a feminist exploration as well. I did not like the ending, but I could re-read this again, I'm sure and be stimulated by James' writing.

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