Idealism and romanticism in "The Portrait of a Lady". Idealism and romanticism are two concepts which seem quite closely related, particularly in Henry James" novel, where certain characters appear to represent these genres as two intertwined ideals. The protagonist, Isabel Archer, seems to have a strong sense of idealism, a belief in herself doing the right thing for her happiness, and a form of romanticism, however only a form, due to ... Europeans in the novel seems to be James" view on Isabel's choice, between individual liberty, and social convention, as is supposedly so highly regarded ...

• Word Count: 1574
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate