From the Superficial to the Jamesian (Part One of Four)

It is Neil's resentment, then, which prevents him from perceiving any semblance of an inner life in Brenda. His blindness, in this regard, runs counter to the insightful narration in Henry James' Portrait of a Lady. In his preface to this novel, the author asserts that his central concern is the consciousness of his protagonist, Isabel Archer. Isabel's motivations and sentiments are revealed by a keenly analytical, yet sympathetic narrator. While exposing Isabel as self-deceived in her decision to marry Gilbert Osmond, the narrator esteems her for desiring to preserve her freedom. Indeed, during a speech to Caspar Goodwood, in which she expounds on her "love of liberty," her tone of voice is hailed as "passionately positive" (183). Moreover, despite his persistent use of dramatic irony, the narrator never questions why Goodwood and Lord Warburton should be in love with Isabel, for all her stubbornness and lack of wealth, or why she should refuse their attractive proposals of marriage.

To be continued.

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