Unregistered
05-24-2005, 06:07 PM
I was interested by a comment above that said that the book was essentially about the struggle of the individual against society and social convention. The society we see in the novel however, is upper class conservative society, and by having Isabel Archer finally marry, he endorses these societal rules and conservatism. James is endorsing conservatism, yet at the same there is a dark undertone to the whole novel which confuses me. Austen, for example, promotes marriage for love, yet overwhelmingly for financial security and security of status. Therefore she endorses the social rules and conservatism as seen in the weddings that end most of her novels. James however, has Isabel marry for anything but financial security and status. Is this endorsing conservatism?It seems that she must pay penance for making a foolish decision that was not socially the most desirable. Can anyone help? All comments would be appreciated....