This week I finished listening to the Portrait of a Lady by Henry James. It was really fun to listen to during my commute to and from work. It certainly made it more enjoyable. Although I have to point out that if this book would have been published today, the open ended ending would have the reader asking for a sequel. Who knows, maybe there would even be a part two to this story. As it stands, the reader or listener is free to interpret it on his or her own.
The main character of this story is Isabel Archer. When the novel starts she is coming to England with her aunt Lydia Touchett from America after the passing of her father. She has two older sisters. Both of them are married at this time. Their mother passed away when they were little girls. Hence Mrs Touchett's appearance in Miss Archer's life changes her life dramatically. Initially one concludes that this change is for the better. Isabel's horizons all of the sudden broaden and she has more opportunities available to her. After completing this book, this conclusion can be challenged however. Each reader or listener needs to make this decision independently. It is unquestionable that this is the pivotal point in young Isabel's life.
Another pivotal point is when Mr. Touchett upon his son's request leaves Miss Archer a large inheritance, thus giving her the freedom to make her imagination real. At the same time this makes her vulnerable to the sharks of society looking to take advantage of a young well to do lady like herself. This exactly what ends up happening.
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