Chapters 1-3

This forum is for the discussion of The Portrait of a Lady, chapters 1-3.

OK, this book's first chapter was slow, but it already has my interest. The author James was raised in Manhattan and I think we are going to see the American side of the boring British Society.

The characters are introduced and the setting is molded. I really like the Mrs. Touchett. She doesn't seem to be the dry boring British wife of a wealthy man. We shall see.

Chapters 1-3:

The first couple of chapters begin to introduce the characters and their relationship to each other and English or American society. Mrs. Touchett seems distant and sharp to me while Isabel seemed open but slightly disrespectful of those around her (a bit self indulgent). Ralph seems kind and selfless and immediately taken with Isabel, or of all the things that she is that he is not.

Good observation of Mrs. Touchette, Kelley. She is self-indulgent. Remember she has been married to the Mr. for a long time and has lived a separate life traveling and only seeing him for a month each year.

I thought this one got off to a better start than Return of the Native. I thought Isabel was portrayed at least so far as confident like some people are, who think they are just too cute for words and can't do anything worng. I thought the relationship of the touchettes was very odd but it sounds like one that has come about after many years and has disintigrated to where it is now. I didn't get much of a feel for Lord Warburton. We se he is interested in Isabel. She is breaking up monotony.

I vaguely remember that there was a quick mention that the Touchette's relationship was that way from the beginning. I remember that they had that relationship a year after they were married. I think we also have to assume that Mr. Touchette is a lot older than Mrs. Touchette because of his health. Iam only assuming that because of her actiivty level being high and his is an invalid. I might be wrong. I will try to find the place where they mentioned their relationship at an early age.