Again in The Portrait of a Lady we are ushered into a
situation in which classes clash. Interestingly, while there are different classes
coming together, there is also a clash of cultures.
The Touchetts are native to
America but have lived in Europe for several years. Instead of being colonials
in the Americas, there seems to have been a reversal of history and this American
family have become like colonials in Europe. Mrs. Touchett , with her unconventional independence established
herself in Florence. Ralph was unsure of which nation he should claim.
James
cleverly added two American young women into the mix of the family. Isabel Archer, Mrs. Touchett’s niece was
staying with the family, and was from New York. Henrietta, Isabel’s friend wanted
to report on the differences in culture between Americans and Europeans.
I find it interesting however because the characters seem to
create more cultural boundaries than is necessary. Ralph is American yet he
says that it is precisely Henrietta’s American patriotism that he dislikes
about her at first. In a
miscommunication Ralph insulted Henrietta. Later she told Isabel that Europeans
were disrespectful towards women. Could it have been, however, that her own hyper-independence
created this illusion?
The reader finds a clash in both nationalities and classes
between Isabel and Lord Warburton. Though Warburton loved Isabel immensely, she
was hesitant because she was persuaded she could not manage his high society life.
She did not wish to be caught up in the system he was born into. She preferred
the American way. Henrietta and Isabel found
it absurd that a man should have no work to do with his life.
The clash of classes continues with James’ novel. Now, consider
the bigger picture of nineteenth century American literature; will the clash of
classes and nationalities be a continuing theme? My speculation is that it will.
In light of the history we know from the era, it would be understandable that
authors might bring to light such issues.
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