The Portrait of a Lady (Part2)

[Sasipak]

What do you think about these three charactors : Lord Warbourton,Gilbert Osmond and Mr.Caspar Goodwood in the Portrait of a Lady by Henry James ?

[a.r.harris]

I know that it has been a while since you posted your question; but i just finished re-reading Portrait of a Lady, and i had a similar question about the nature of these three characters. I think Wharton and Goodwood are relatively simple: they represent the American and European 'types' of men who are young, successful, and looking for wives. Wharton is a European landed aristocrat, and Goodwood is a second generation 'neuveaux riche' manufacturer.

Osmond is, to say the least, the odd one out. Isabel says that he is the 'first gentleman in Europe,' whatever that means. But she also says he is 'beautiful.' And I think that is why she married him. He was a piece of art which she wanted to admire. It is clear that Osmond married Isabel so that he could control her mind and character the same way he did Pansy's. I think it is less clear that Isabel also had the same manipulative motive; but all three, Osmond, Merle, and Isabel, I believe, share this characteristic. It is certainly true that Isabel is far the more sympathetic character. But in the end, she, Osmond, and Merle, (she will come back from America) will share the same misery.

[a.r.harris]

Sorry about the spelling...Warburton.

[Don McCasland]

I believe you missapprehend the nature of the motive of Osmond in marrying Isabel. It wasn't so much her mind and character that attracted him to her as her pecuniary felicity.