Chapters 4-7

This forum is for the discussion of The Portrait of a Lady, chapters 4-7.

This will be an easy read. I enjoy the tidbits that the author gives us through the characters. I also am seeing that Henry James keeps the pace while giving us a little bit of the "British chatting" that is so famous in British Literature.

Mr. and Mrs. Touchett will be the ones to watch. They have a solid foundation of Isabel's influences. Ralph, I think, is going to be her undying friend throughout the novel. I don't see her and him marrying, and I do predict that Lord, whats his name, neighbor is going to be a prospect in the marriage scene.

I do like Isabel and her character. For someone being so "self-educated" she seems to have already learned a lot about life.

We shall see.

Chapters 4-7:

We get a better sense of the characters in these chapters, learning a bit about their pasts. I agree with you Marti, that Ralph and Isabel will be good friends.

Individualism v. Societalism is said to be one of the main themes of the book. We see the first bit of this with the fight between Mrs. Touchett and Isabel, and especially in Isabel's response at the end of the chapter:
"But I always want to know hte things one shouldn't do."
"So as to do them?" asked her aunt.
"So as to choose," said Isabel.
Ironically the introduction of this theme is made by the woman who unconventionally has the most freedom and frequently disobeys cultural norms.

I was thinking about that too, Brienne. You said how it was ironic that the clash would come between Mrs. Touchette and isabel. I got the feeling Mrs. touchett would have been much like Isabel if she had been born a generation late. She developed her independence as an adult and possibly already married and may envy Isabels position to make choices.

Envy of her youth is a good angle to ponder. I think it's a good one. Maybe Mrs. Touchette is trying to live her dreams through Isabel.