The Portrait of a Lady (eBook)

Henry James (1843–1916) was an eminent American-born writer, heralded for his contributions to nineteenth-century literary realism and psychological insight. He spent much of his life in Europe and became a British subject shortly before his death. James's work often addressed themes of consciousness and morality among well-delineated characters, while frequently exploring the transatlantic experiences between the New World and the Old World. 'The Portrait of a Lady' (1881), one of James's most admired novels, exemplifies his skill at creating an intricate psychological portrait, as seen in the character of Isabel Archer, a compelling depiction of a woman facing the constraints of society and personal freedom. His narrative style is marked by his use of a stream of consciousness and an unreliable narrator, which were innovative techniques at the time. A prolific writer, James generated a vast body of work including 'The Wings of the Dove' (1902), 'The Ambassadors' (1903), and 'The Golden Bowl' (1904), all critically appraised for their depth and use of language. Henry James's literary contributions have solidified his place as a foundational figure in the development of modernist literature and continue to influence writers and critics alike (Edel, 1987).