Abstract:In The Portrait of a Lady, Henry James succeeded in shaping the image of the “New Woman” of the female host Isabel. Isabel is independent, freedom and brave. She does not regard marriage as the only way out for women and dares to challenge her destiny. However, due to her weakness, she finally fell into the trap of the ambitious Gilbert Osmond. This thesis mainly analyzes the character of the heroine and the background of American society at that time, and recognizes the status of American women in America at the time. In addition to social and human factors, women’s personality is a primary cause of marriage tragedy.

Key words: character; tragedy; society factors; human factors; self factors

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

I.-Isabel’s Own Factors of Isabel’s Marriage Tragedy-3

A.-Main characteristics of Isabel’s-3

a．-Freedom and Independence-3

b．-Weak Obedience-4

c．-Brave-5

II.-Human Factors of Isabel’s Marriage Tragedy-7

A.-Ralph Touches-7

B.-Gilbert Osmond-8

C.-Madame Merle-9

III.-Social Factors of Isabel’s Marriage Tragedy-11

A.-Social Influence-11

B.-Family Influence-12

Conclusion-15

Bibliography-17

Acknowledgements-19