Abstract:The Portrait of a Lady written by Henry James tells a story of the heroine Isabel’s tragic marriage. The paper aims to analyze the causes of Isabel’s tragic marriage from two angles: the objective angle and the subjective angle. The former includes the social environment and other characters’ impacts. The latter mainly includes some flaws in Isabel’s own personality and thoughts. Through analysis, the paper aims to help readers have a clearer understanding of the tragedy of the females in that era and how new women in a time of change fought for their own dignity and happiness.  

Keywords: The Portrait of a Lady; Isabel; tragic marriage

CONTENTS

摘要

Abstract

1. Introduction1

1.1 The Author

1.2 The Portrait of a Lady

2. The Objective Causes of Isabel’s Tragic Marriage 2

2.1 Social Environment

2.1.1. Women’s Lower Status in 19th century

  2.1.2. Conflicts between Old and New Culture

2.2 Other Characters’ Impacts

2.2.1 Ralph

  2.2.2 Mrs.Touchett

2.2.3 Madame Merle 

3. The Subjective Causes of Isabel’s Tragic Marriage.5

3.1 Flaws in Her Character

3.1.1 Over-confidence

3.1.2 Cowardice

3.2 Flaws in Her Thoughts

3.2.1 Indulgence in Illusions

3.2.2 Pursuits of Absolute Freedom of Love

4. Conclusion.9

Bibliography.10

Acknowledgment.11