Questions About The Portrait of a Lady

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Isabel has been described as intelligent by her aunt, her cousin and her uncle etc. However, I find her foolish. So why does James have so many people describe her as intelligent?

C. Lewis I wouldn't describe Isabel as intelligent. Her primary attribute seemed to be that she was curious about the world and wanted to experience life and t…moreI wouldn't describe Isabel as intelligent. Her primary attribute seemed to be that she was curious about the world and wanted to experience life and travels first-hand so that she could draw her own conclusions. She seems to be a typical idealist who is "smart" about some things, but a blithering idiot when it comes to street-smarts. She sort of reminds me of me when I was in my twenties. I thought I was smart, but had no idea how the real world worked and, after I made that idealistic pie-in-the-sky marriage of perfect love - I got my education. Isabel's story touched a nerve with me because, turns out, I was just as foolish as Isabel. The only difference is that I am lucky enough to live in a time where I could ditch my "Gilbert"! (less)

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How does the book end? I can't possibly imagine reading through 600+ pages of a woman's idiocy in marrying an asshole to find out.

Raven Cage

This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)[I believe it's totally worth giving it a read, you as a reader might view her as an idiot making the greatest mistake of her life; but she saw it as a wise act since she believes in her intelligence and independence, not caring about the impact of her choice on others' opinions. It's a splendid psychodrama. Around the ends, Isabel gets a letter from Mrs. Touchett informing her that Ralph is on the brinks of death in England. She goes to inform Osmond to ask permission to leave and see him yet he refuses claiming "he's always been 'dead' ever since their marriage", implying that he was always too unhealthy to be considered alive, Isabel refuses to tolerate this objection and for the first time stands up for her words; that made Osmond seem more menacing, she claimed she believes he fears she'll run away, but he knew she wouldn't. Countess Gemini confronts her and she jolt away weeping. The countess then spills the tea and informs her about Osmond's affair with madame Merle that had been a thing before the marriage until now. She told her his ex wife never had a child with him. Osmond and Merle had a child (Pansy) but they hid it and he claimed it was from his deceased wife. They never married because Madame Merle was still married to another man, and people might've suspected an affair that would have caused a scandal. That gave Isabel a more grim and bold motivation to leave Rome without her husband's consent, before she does, she went to see Pansy whom was sent to the convent once more to say goodbye, she stumbles upon Merle. Pansy was upset after hearing Isabel was leaving and she feared she wouldn't come back, Isabel herself didn't know if she'd come back. Merle figured out from Isabel's attitude towards her that she found out about the secret, so she decided to inform her she's going to America and never let her see her face again. To make a long story short, she goes to England, meets Lord Warburton (which was rather more melancholy than usual) figured out he was marrying another aristocratic lady, sees Henrietta (who decided to marry Mr. Bantling) Caspar and Mrs. Touchett as well. Ralph ends up dying and the funeral took place the other day (Isabel had a chance to spend some time with him before he died). Caspar confronts Isabel and encourages her to run away with him to America away from her cruel husband, yet she refuses in order to abide by society's rules; but she still had somewhat of a desire to do so. Caspar kisses her and she runs away. He goes to Henrietta the next day to find out Isabel had stayed over there then traveled back to Rome. Now i assumed she went back to her miserable marriage to face the consequences of her disobedience, but Henrietta told Caspar to "be patient" which might indicate that she went back to do something and fix this marriage; though she can't divorce him. It's up to you to assume why she went back to Rome. (hide spoiler)]

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Hannah Timmons

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Annar Of course she did. But it will be a different marriage,as she is more clear-eyed about who her husband is. A different approach creates a different re…moreOf course she did. But it will be a different marriage,as she is more clear-eyed about who her husband is. A different approach creates a different relationship. Remember this book was written at a time when one worked things out. The Osmonds are still the same people they were from the beginning. As they chose each other for what they had, were, or could do for each other, the reasons for the marriage are still intact. Love was a minor reason for the marriage, and could reasonably be expected to fade. Now that that is out of the way, or changed, they can move along with the true reasons that they are married. Osmond has the culture, Isabel has the money, so they will continue. Their differences most likely will be worked out or accommodated over the years. Pansy, while she does help their marriage along, will be gone eventually. Then they will be alone with each other, unless they have children of their own.Personally, I think they do love each other on some level, they just don't trust each other yet.(less)

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explain about the theme ?

Keely The "theme" might have been a lot more apparent when the book was written & published than it is now, because the book has come to be known as groundb…moreThe "theme" might have been a lot more apparent when the book was written & published than it is now, because the book has come to be known as groundbreaking in its ability to dwell on and reveal character more than plot. At that time, this kind of psychological realism just didn't exist in literature. So perhaps people might have seen the theme as a study of what motivates people, or the tragedy of a bad marriage. Today the theme is not so significant because the book itself is so significant and changed literature so deeply.(less)

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