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Chapter 2 Summary - The Portrait of a Lady | The Portrait of a Lady -Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels PDF Download

  • Ralph’s little dog, Bunchie, runs toward the house, and Ralph sees a beautiful young woman approaching. We assume, as he does, that this is the independent young cousin.
  • Ralph and his cousin, Isabel Archer, get off to a friendly start.
  • Isabel tells Ralph that he is to go to his mother’s chambers at a quarter to seven. Mrs. Touchett has locked herself in her room, as is her custom.
  • When Isabel does not take it upon herself to greet Mr. Touchett, Ralph invites her to come and meet him. Though her aunt had led her to believe that her uncle was quite active, recently his health has declined drastically.
  • Isabel meets Mr. Touchett and Lord Warburton. All three gentlemen are quite interested in her, in their different ways.
  • Ralph innocently comments that Mrs. Touchett has "adopted" Isabel. She seems offended by this statement and clarifies that her liberty is very important to her.
  • Returning to their pre-Isabel conversation, Lord Warburton declares that she is his idea of an interesting woman.
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FAQs on Chapter 2 Summary - The Portrait of a Lady - The Portrait of a Lady -Summary, Themes & Characters - Novels

1. What is the plot of "The Portrait of a Lady"?
Ans. "The Portrait of a Lady" is a novel by Henry James that follows the story of Isabel Archer, a young American woman who travels to Europe and inherits a large fortune. The plot revolves around Isabel's journey of self-discovery, her relationships with various suitors, and the choices she makes that ultimately shape her life.
2. Who is the author of "The Portrait of a Lady"?
Ans. "The Portrait of a Lady" was written by Henry James, an American-born author known for his contributions to the genre of psychological realism. James is considered one of the key figures in 19th-century literary realism and is renowned for his intricate character development and exploration of human psychology.
3. What is the significance of the portrait in "The Portrait of a Lady"?
Ans. The portrait in "The Portrait of a Lady" symbolizes the expectations and constraints placed upon women in society during the time the novel is set. The portrait serves as a metaphor for the societal expectations that Isabel Archer, the protagonist, must navigate and ultimately rebel against. It represents the idealized image of a lady that Isabel is expected to conform to but struggles to reconcile with her own desires for independence and self-fulfillment.
4. How does "The Portrait of a Lady" explore the theme of freedom and independence?
Ans. "The Portrait of a Lady" delves into the theme of freedom and independence through the character of Isabel Archer. Throughout the novel, Isabel grapples with societal expectations and the limitations placed upon her as a woman. Her pursuit of freedom and independence leads her to make choices that challenge conventional norms and often result in personal sacrifices. The novel serves as a critique of the societal constraints placed upon women and explores the complexities of achieving true freedom in a patriarchal society.
5. What is the genre of "The Portrait of a Lady"?
Ans. "The Portrait of a Lady" is primarily classified as a novel of psychological realism. This genre focuses on the internal thoughts, emotions, and motivations of the characters, often exploring complex psychological depths. The novel also falls within the broader category of literary realism, as it aims to depict life and society as accurately and truthfully as possible.
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