World Classics Series -- Portrait of a Lady (Bilingual Reading Material) (Bilingual Reading Material)

Author: Henry James
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-08-01
Features: The Portrait of a Lady is one of James's finest works, narrating the story of a smart and beautiful American poor girl, Isabel, who travels to England with her aunt, Madame Du Chêne. She wins the affection of her uncle, the prominent banker Mr. Du Chêne. An American businessman, Mr. Osmond, crosses the ocean to pursue her, and Sir Waldertron, a British nobleman, also falls in love with her. Though Isabel is attracted to both, she does not easily yield. Once she visits Italy, she unfortunately falls into the trap of the cunning Madame Merle and hastily marries a seemingly refined American art enthusiast, Osmond. However, soon after the marriage, she discovers her husband's mediocrity, shallow nature, greed, lust, and that he is Madame Merle's lover. Isabel is in great distress, but Mr. Osmond and Sir Waldertron still love her. Ultimately, out of compassion for the illegitimate daughter of Madame Merle and Osmond, Passey, she gives up the idea of leaving her husband.