A Hazard of New Fortunes

<p><strong><em>The Portrait of a Lady</em></strong> by Henry James is a novel about <strong>Isabel Archer</strong> a spirited and independent young American woman who travels to Europe in search of freedom and self-fulfillment. After rejecting several marriage proposals she unexpectedly inherits a large fortune. However her newfound wealth leads her into a disastrous marriage with <strong>Gilbert Osmond</strong> a manipulative and controlling man who values appearances over affection.</p><p>As Isabel comes to terms with the consequences of her choices the novel explores themes of <strong>freedom identity betrayal and societal expectations</strong>. Ultimately Isabel faces a painful moral and emotional dilemma forced to choose between personal happiness and a sense of duty.</p><p>The novel is considered one of Henry James's masterpieces celebrated for its psychological depth and complex portrayal of its heroine's inner life.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>