1、Henry James1843-1916H e n r y J a me s 1 8 4 3-1 9 1 6Henry Jamesa.Traveled extensively around Europe and America b.Believed in the importance of being able to present your view of the world freely and without restraints c.Major author of Realist Fiction and Trans-Atlantic Literature H e n r y J a m
2、e s T r a v e l e d e x t e n s i v e lLiterary Themesa.Cross-cultural communication between Europeans and Americans b.Differences between the Old World and New World(European and America)c.Self-perception d.Psychological examination of the human mind e.Social Issues/Social Commentary f.Romance L i
3、t e r a r y T h e me s C r o s s-c u l t u r a l Stream of Consciousnessa.Jamess contributions to the novel helped transform it to an art form of penetrating analysis of individuals confronting society.b.Jamess style of writing encompassed both Europe and America.He is a master of character portraya
4、l and has extensively used the stream of consciousness method in his fictional writing.S t r e a m o f C o n s c i o u s n e s s J a me s sHenry Jamesa.Stream of consciousness,as a term,was first used by William James(Henry Jamess brother),the American philosopher and psychologist,in his book The Pr
5、inciples of Psychology(1890).H e n r y J a me s S t r e a m o f c o n s c i o u sHenry Jamesa.Stream of Consciousness,literary technique,first used in the late 19th century,employed to show subjective as well as objective reality.It reveals the characters feelings,thoughts,and actions,often followin
6、g an associative rather than a logical sequence,without commentary by the author.H e n r y J a me s S t r e a m o f C o n s c i o u sHenry Jamesa.Stream of consciousness is often confused with interior monologue,but the latter technique works the sensations of the mind into a more formal pattern:a f
7、low of thoughts inwardly expressed,similar to a soliloquy.H e n r y J a me s S t r e a m o f c o n s c i o u sHenry Jamesa.The technique of stream of consciousness,however,attempts to portray the remote,preconscious state that exists before the mind organizes sensations.Consequently,the re-creation
8、of a stream of consciousness frequently lacks the unity,explicit cohesion,and selectivity of direct thought.H e n r y J a me s T h e t e c h n i q u e o f s tThe Portrait of a Lady Themesa.Old world versus New World:Contrast between European and American lifestyles and culture.Emphasizing liberty of
9、 America and the social constraints of Europe.b.Psychological:An experiment to see what happens when an idealistic young woman suddenly becomes very rich.Exploring the main characters thought process.c.Freedom vs.Responsibility:Isabel Archers freedom diminishes as she inherits a great deal of money.
10、d.Social Maturation:through loss,disappointment,and suffering,Isabel finally matures and realizes she must do what is expected of her.T h e P o r t r a i t o f a L a d y T h e me s OHenry JamesIsabel Archer-The novels protagonist,the Lady of the title.Her mother died when she was a young girl,and he
11、r father raised her in a haphazard manner,allowing her to educate herself and encouraging her independence.As a result,the adult Isabel is widely read,imaginative,and confident in her abilities.Isabel Archer is portrayed as an innocent American.Her innocence is the primary element of her sense of he
12、r freedom.James seems to be saying that Isabel only thinks she is free and capable of living her life freely.H e n r y J a me s I s a b e l A r c h e r -T h e Henry JamesCharactersMrs.Touchett-Isabels aunt.Mrs.Touchett is an indomitable,independent old woman who first brings Isabel to Europe.Caspar
13、Goodwood -The son of a prominent Boston mill owner,Isabels most dedicated suitor in America.Goodwoods charisma,simplicity,capability,and lack of sophistication make him the books purest symbol of Jamess conception of America.H e n r y J a me s C h a r a c t e r sHenry JamesCharactersGilbert Osmond -
14、A cruel,manipulative,narcissistic gentleman of no particular social standing or wealth,who seduces Isabel and marries her for her money.An art collector,Osmond poses as a disinterested aesthete,but in reality he is desperate for the recognition and admiration of those around him.H e n r y J a me s C
15、 h a r a c t e r sHenry JamesCharactersMadame Merle-An accomplished,graceful,and manipulative woman,Madame Merle is a popular lady who does not have a husband or a fortune.Motivated by her love for Gilbert Osmond,Merle manipulates Isabel into marrying Osmond,delivering Isabels fortune into his hands
16、 and ruining Isabels life in the process.H e n r y J a me s C h a r a c t e r sHenry JamesCharactersRalph Touchett-Isabels wise,funny cousin,who is ill with lung disease throughout the entire novel,which ends shortly after his death.Ralph acts as a dedicated spectator,resolving to live vicariously t
17、hrough his beloved cousin Isabel H e n r y J a me s C h a r a c t e r sPlota.Isabel Archer,journeys to Europe with her Aunt(Mrs.Touchett)shortly after Isabels father dies.b.She receives a visit from Mrs.Touchett,who currently lives in Europe,and she offers to take Isabel on a trip to Europe.c.Isabel
18、 eagerly agrees,telling Caspar that she cannot tell him whether she wishes to marry him until she has had at least a year to travel in Europe with her aunt.d.The narrative is set mainly in Europe,especially in England and Italy.P l o t I s a b e l A r c h e r,j o u r n e y s t oPlota.The result is a
19、 richly imagined study of an American heiress who turns away her suitors in an effort to first establishand then protecther independence.But Isabels pursuit of spiritual freedom collapses when she meets the captivating Gilbert Osmond.b.Ultimately,Isabel chooses to remain in her miserable marriage to Osmond rather than to violate custom by divorcing or leaving him.c.She abandons her search for happiness and independence for social convention and obligation.P l o t T h e r e s u l t i s a r i c h l y i ma
