Summary Female Portrait


Henry James
Female Portrait
Mr. Tachit and his son Ralph live in his Gardencloth manor about forty miles from London. Mrs. Tachit travels a lot and happens in her husband’s house only a month a year. She spent the winter in her homeland, in America, met there with her niece and wrote to her husband and son that she invited a young girl to stay with them in Gardenkorte. Father and son Tachita, along with their friend Lord Warburton, are waiting for Mrs. Tachit to come and wonder what her niece will be like. While they are thrown up with witticisms, a girl of rare beauty appears – this is the niece of Mrs. Tachit Isabella Archer. The men greet her cordially, although they have never heard of her before: Mrs. Tachit was at a quarrel with her deceased sister’s husband and only after his death went to Albany to see his relatives. Smart, sincere girl quickly conquers the general sympathy.
Ralph faithfully cares for the old father, although he is seriously

ill: due to weak lungs he had to leave the service. Feeling that he will not live long, Ralph wants to spend the rest of his days with the greatest – as far as possible in this position – pleasant. He discovers the joy of contemplation. Isabella arouses his interest, and he talks enthusiastically with her. The English conventions for Isabella are new, she is accustomed to freedom, She likes to do everything in her own way, but still wants to know what to do here is not to be. “To do just that?” asks Mrs. Tachit. “No, to be able to choose,” Isabella replies,
Seeing Isabella’s passion for everything romantic, Lord Warburton invites her along with her aunt and Ralph to his possession of Lockley, where he and his sisters welcome guests. Isabella receives a letter from her friend Henrietta Stackpole, a correspondent for the New York Interviewer. Henrietta comes to England, and Tachita invites her to stay. The inhabitants of the Gardencourt are too energetic and somewhat intrusive Henrietta with good-natured irony. Henrietta loves America and criticizes all European customs and
customs. Mrs. Tachit does not like her, but she does not have the right to tell Isabella who she should be friends with.
On one boat with Henrietta in England came Caspar Goodwood – a young man from Boston, passionately in love with Isabel. Isabella is alarmed: she is afraid that Goodwood would come straight to Gardencourt, but he sends a letter where he asks for a meeting. Before the departure of Isabella from America, he made her an offer, to which she replied with a refusal. Goodwood did not accept defeat and did not lose hope of winning her heart. As soon as Isabella reads Goodwood’s letter, Warburton appears. He makes Isabella an offer, but the girl thinks that they still do not know each other. She promises to think and write to Warburton. Isabella tells Mr. Tachit about Warburton’s proposal, but it turns out that he already knows about him from Warburton himself. Isabella likes Warburton, but she still does not want to get married, she wants to be free. She leaves Goodwood’s letter unanswered,
Henrietta asks Ralph to invite Goodwood to Gardenkort – she favors compatriot, because she does not want Isabella to marry some “soulless European.” But Goodwood, having received an invitation not from Isabella, but from Ralph, refers to urgent matters and does not come. Lord Warburton is trying to find out the reason for Isabella’s refusal, but the girl can not really explain anything. “I can not turn off my path,” she says. Isabella understands that with Warburton she is expected to have peace, honor, wealth, a chosen position in society, but consciously rejects all this. Tachichi are amazed that Isabella refused such a brilliant bridegroom.
Isabella and Henrietta decide to go to London. Ralph is called to accompany them. In London, the girls get acquainted with Ralph’s friend Mr. Bentling, who willingly accompanies Henrietta everywhere, admiring her education and courageous judgments. While Bentling shows Henrietta the sights of London, Ralph talks with Isabella. He is very interested to know “which way the young lady who rejected Lord Warburton will choose.” When Isabella returns to the hotel, she is told of Goodwood’s arrival. She realizes that Henrietta arranged for their meeting, telling Goodwood which hotel they were staying at. Isabella asks Goodwood not to pursue her. Having received the news that Mr. Tachit is in serious condition, Ralph and Isabella return to Gardencourt. There at this time is a friend of Mrs. Tachit – Madame Merle, a socialite, Isabella’s admiration for her impeccable manner of holding on. This woman of strong feelings, who knows how to keep them in check, seems to Isabella an ideal. Ralph does not like Madame Merle, although he does not say it directly. Mr. Tachit before his death advises Ralph to marry Isabella, but Ralph realizes that he is seriously ill and will not live long. He asks his father to change his will and leave Isabella half of the amount that he intends for him. Ralph believes that in order to fully show all his abilities, Isabella needs money – then she will have complete freedom and independence. Isabella is a proud girl and will not accept money from Ralph, so he asks his father to assume the role of her benefactor. Mr. Tachit dies, and Isabella receives seventy thousand pounds according to the will. This woman of strong feelings, who knows how to keep them in check, seems to Isabella an ideal. Ralph does not like Madame Merle, although he does not say it directly. Mr. Tachit before his death advises Ralph to marry Isabella, but Ralph realizes that he is seriously ill and will not live long. He asks his father to change his will and leave Isabella half of the amount that he intends for him. Ralph believes that in order to fully show all his abilities, Isabella needs money – then she will have complete freedom and independence. Isabella is a proud girl and will not accept money from Ralph, so he asks his father to assume the role of her benefactor. Mr. Tachit dies, and Isabella receives seventy thousand pounds according to the will. This woman of strong feelings, who knows how to keep them in check, seems to Isabella an ideal. Ralph does not like Madame Merle, although he does not say it directly. Mr. Tachit before his death advises Ralph to marry Isabella, but Ralph realizes that he is seriously ill and will not live long. He asks his father to change his will and leave Isabella half of the amount that he intends for him. Ralph believes that in order to fully show all his abilities, Isabella needs money – then she will have complete freedom and independence. Isabella is a proud girl and will not accept money from Ralph, so he asks his father to assume the role of her benefactor. Mr. Tachit dies, and Isabella receives seventy thousand pounds according to the will. Mr. Tachit before his death advises Ralph to marry Isabella, but Ralph realizes that he is seriously ill and will not live long. He asks his father to change his will and leave Isabella half of the amount that he intends for him. Ralph believes that in order to fully show all his abilities, Isabella needs money – then she will have complete freedom and independence. Isabella is a proud girl and will not accept money from Ralph, so he asks his father to assume the role of her benefactor. Mr. Tachit dies, and Isabella receives seventy thousand pounds according to the will. Mr. Tachit before his death advises Ralph to marry Isabella, but Ralph realizes that he is seriously ill and will not live long. He asks his father to change his will and leave Isabella half of the amount that he intends for him. Ralph believes that in order to fully show all his abilities, Isabella needs money – then she will have complete freedom and independence. Isabella is a proud girl and will not accept money from Ralph, so he asks his father to assume the role of her benefactor. Mr. Tachit dies, and Isabella receives seventy thousand pounds according to the will. to fully demonstrate all of her abilities, Isabella needs money – then she will have complete freedom and independence. Isabella is a proud girl and will not accept money from Ralph, so he asks his father to assume the role of her benefactor. Mr. Tachit dies, and Isabella receives seventy thousand pounds according to the will. to fully demonstrate all of her abilities, Isabella needs money – then she will have complete freedom and independence. Isabella is a proud girl and will not accept money from Ralph, so he asks his father to assume the role of her benefactor. Mr. Tachit dies, and Isabella receives seventy thousand pounds according to the will.
Isabella and Mrs. Tachit go to Paris, where Isabella meets Edward Rosier, whom she knew as a child – their fathers were friends. Now Rosier is a well-bred young man who collects a collection of art objects. Mrs. Tachit decides to visit Ralph in San Remo, where he spends the winter. Isabella is going with her. The girl asks the cousin why suddenly his father left her such a great inheritance, but Ralph does not reveal the truth to her. Six months later, in Florence, Madame Merle introduces Isabella to her friend Mr. Ozmond. Madame Merle tells Ozmond that Isabella is an advantageous party, besides she is beautiful, intelligent and virtuous. Ozmond is a widower, the father of a fifteen-year-old daughter, Pansy, raised in a monastery and has just come out. At first he refers to the intention of Madame Merle to marry him skeptically, but, having met Isabella, can not but appreciate its merits. Ralph refers to Ozmond without affection, considering him “inexpressive.” Izabella Ozmond likes her refinement, originality and significance. Sister Ozmonda Countess Gemini does not like Madame Merle and wants to warn Isabella from her brother, but the countess’s reputation is such that no one listens to her opinion.
Ozmond often comes to Isabella, and Mrs. Tachit, from whom she lives, begins to worry. But Ralph comforts his mother, saying that Isabella will not take care of Ozmond. Yes, and Mrs. Tachit herself believes that it would be foolish, refusing to allow the peer of England, to be satisfied with “an unknown American amateur, a middle-aged widower with an absurd daughter and a dubious income.” Ralph suggests that Isabella go to Rome. Henrietta and Bentling are also going there. Ozmond tells Isabella that she would like to be there with her, and she invites him to join their company. Madame Merle rejoices: everything goes according to her plan. In Rome, Isabella accidentally meets Warburton, who still loves her. Warburton and Ralph exchange opinions about Ozmond: he does not like them both, and they hope that Isabel will not marry him. Before Isabel’s departure from Rome, Ozmond explained to her in love. Isabella leaves and travels for a year, first with her aunt, then with her sister, then with Madame Merle. After visiting Greece, Turkey and Egypt, the ladies return to Italy, where Isabella settles in Rome with Madame Merle. There for three weeks, comes Ozmond and every day is their guest. When Isabella comes to her aunt in Florence, Goodwood is again with her. After learning about the upcoming marriage of Isabella, he hurried to come, “to hear her voice.” Seeing that she does not like him, Goodwood promises to leave tomorrow. Aunt is not happy with Isabella’s choice, but prefers not to interfere in other people’s affairs. Ralph comes, he tries to dissuade Isabella from marrying Ozmond, but without success. after that with Madame Merle. After visiting Greece, Turkey and Egypt, the ladies return to Italy, where Isabella settles in Rome with Madame Merle. There for three weeks, comes Ozmond and every day is their guest. When Isabella comes to her aunt in Florence, Goodwood is again with her. After learning about the upcoming marriage of Isabella, he hurried to come, “to hear her voice.” Seeing that she does not like him, Goodwood promises to leave tomorrow. Aunt is not happy with Isabella’s choice, but prefers not to interfere in other people’s affairs. Ralph comes, he tries to dissuade Isabella from marrying Ozmond, but without success. after that with Madame Merle. After visiting Greece, Turkey and Egypt, the ladies return to Italy, where Isabella settles in Rome with Madame Merle. There for three weeks, comes Ozmond and every day is their guest. When Isabella comes to her aunt in Florence, Goodwood is again with her. After learning about the upcoming marriage of Isabella, he hurried to come, “to hear her voice.” Seeing that she does not like him, Goodwood promises to leave tomorrow. Aunt is not happy with Isabella’s choice, but prefers not to interfere in other people’s affairs. Ralph comes, he tries to dissuade Isabella from marrying Ozmond, but without success. When Isabella comes to her aunt in Florence, Goodwood is again with her. After learning about the upcoming marriage of Isabella, he hurried to come, “to hear her voice.” Seeing that she does not like him, Goodwood promises to leave tomorrow. Aunt is not happy with Isabella’s choice, but prefers not to interfere in other people’s affairs. Ralph comes, he tries to dissuade Isabella from marrying Ozmond, but without success. When Isabella comes to her aunt in Florence, Goodwood is again with her. After learning about the upcoming marriage of Isabella, he hurried to come, “to hear her voice.” Seeing that she does not like him, Goodwood promises to leave tomorrow. Aunt is not happy with Isabella’s choice, but prefers not to interfere in other people’s affairs. Ralph comes, he tries to dissuade Isabella from marrying Ozmond, but without success.
Several years pass. Розиер, casually acquainted with Pansy, falls in love with her. Rosier is not rich, and Ozmond dreams of a better party for her daughter, especially since she raised her so that she, though she loves Rosier, will never dare disobey his father. Rosier regularly visits Ozmond, he hopes for the sympathy of Isabella, who is very attached to her stepdaughter. In Rome comes Warburton and is to Isabella to pay his respects. He came with Ralph, but Ralph is so sick that he can not come. On hearing of this, Isabella promises to visit her cousin tomorrow. Warburton tries to find out if Isabel is happy in marriage. She says she is very happy. Warburton starts courting Pansy, and Ozmond wants to give him a daughter. Neither the big age difference, nor the fact that Pansy loves another, does not scare him – Warburton is notable and rich, and this is exactly what Ozmond needs. Warburton is going to ask for Pansy’s hands. Once Isabella accidentally finds Ozmond with Madame Merle, and something in their treatment with each other alarms her – she begins to feel that they are bound by some close ties, much closer than the bonds of friendship. Madame Merle is very close to the heart of accepting the affairs of Pansy, She, like Ozmond, believes that Warburton is a perfect pair for Pansy. Isabella is afraid of Ozmond, but she is sorry for her stepdaughter. She tells Warburton that Pansy loves Rosier. In addition, she suspects that the forty-two-year-old Warburton is not so passionately in love with the girl, and subconsciously wants to be closer to Isabella herself. that they are connected by some close ties, much closer than the bonds of friendship. Madame Merle is very close to the heart of accepting the affairs of Pansy, She, like Ozmond, believes that Warburton is a perfect pair for Pansy. Isabella is afraid of Ozmond, but she is sorry for her stepdaughter. She tells Warburton that Pansy loves Rosier. In addition, she suspects that the forty-two-year-old Warburton is not so passionately in love with the girl, and subconsciously wants to be closer to Isabella herself. that they are connected by some close ties, much closer than the bonds of friendship. Madame Merle is very close to the heart of accepting the affairs of Pansy, She, like Ozmond, believes that Warburton is a perfect pair for Pansy. Isabella is afraid of Ozmond, but she is sorry for her stepdaughter. She tells Warburton that Pansy loves Rosier. In addition, she suspects that the forty-two-year-old Warburton is not so passionately in love with the girl, and subconsciously wants to be closer to Isabella herself.
Learning that Pansy does not like him, Warburton decides not to make her an offer and leaves. Ozmond is furious: he believes that Isabella upset Panci’s marriage with Warburton. Three days after Warburton’s departure, Goodwood came to Rome. He is unhappy, and Isabella feels guilty before him. But she herself is deeply unhappy, although pride does not allow her to admit it. Ozmond was an empty, calculating man. Isabella feels that he and Madame Merle deceived her, made a toy in their hands. She understands that Ozmond married her for money. Goodwood regularly visits Isabella on Thursdays, when she arranges receptions. She introduces him to Ralph and asks Goodwood to take care of her cousin. Ralph wants to return to England, but he can not go alone: ​​Henrietta and Goodwood are summoned to accompany him. Isabella promises Ralph to come when he calls her.
Rosier informs Isabella that he sold his collection of knickknacks and bailed out for her fifty thousand dollars. He hopes that Ozmond will have mercy on him, but Isabella understands that Ozmond never agrees to give him his daughter. Ozmond for a while sends Pansy to the monastery, so she spent alone, thought, rested from society.
Having received the news that Ralph is dying, Isabella is going to go to the Gardencourt. Ozmond objects to her trip, but Isabella goes to break with him. Sister Ozmonda reveals to Isabella a secret: Pansy’s daughter Ozmond is not from her first wife, but from Madame Merle, although she does not suspect it. Pansy was born when Monsieur Merle was still alive, but he did not recognize the girl, and Ozmond wrote the story that his wife died during childbirth, although in fact she died childless. For six or seven years, Ozmond was the lover of Madame Merle, then they parted, but they are so connected that they can not do without each other. After learning this story, Isabella gets even more pity and affection for Pansy, whose father and mother are ready to break life. Before leaving, she visits Pensi in a monastery, where she meets Madame Merle, who came to see the girl. Pansy does not like Madame Merle, and Isabella is once again convinced that, with all her meekness, Pansy is not so simple. Pansy asks Isabella not to leave her, and Isabella promises to return to her. Madame Merle reveals to Isabella that she owes her wealth to Ralph: he persuaded his father to leave her fortune. “I know you are unhappy, but I’m even more unhappy,” says Isabella to Madame Merle.
Isabella arrives in London, where she meets Henrietta. She is going to marry Bentling and even, contrary to her convictions, intends to move to England. In Gardenken, her aunt informs Isabella that Lord Warburton is getting married. Isabella only now understands how much Ralph loved her and says that she is ready to die, if only not to part with it. She asks Ralph if it’s true that he made her rich. “I think I ruined you,” Ralph says sadly. Isabella confesses to him that she is unhappy that Ozmond married her for money. After Ralph’s death, Goodwood comes to Gardencourt. He persuades Isabella not to return to her husband, begs him to stay with him. Isabella asks him to pity her and leave. Goodwood kisses her. An excited Isabella runs into the house. When Goodwood arrives in London in two days and comes to Henrietta in the hope of finding Isabella there, Henrietta informs him that Isabella went to Rome. Seeing his despair, she advises him to wait – after all, he is still young and he has time.


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Summary Female Portrait