Isabel from the Inside

As we delve into the life and mind of Isabel Archer, we begin to see many characteristic approaches taken by Henry James. As Dr. Mitchell mentioned in class, the reader does not look at Isabel from the outside-in, the reader sees Isabel from the inside-out.  There are many very candid moments between the narrator and the reader.

James describes Isabel’s view of herself and her defenses. He also describes her mode of thinking. I have noticed that often her mode of thinking is juxtaposed next to the reality outside her which can seem rather apparent to the reader. She desires to travel and be independent; however Ralph realizes she does not have enough money to survive on. He sees her reality before she does and provides for her from his Father’s will.

Isabel also seems to have this strange sense of idealistic suffering.  She turns down Warburton because marrying him would make her less capable of experiencing life and hardship. Marrying Warburton is not an option to her—it would make her life too simple. She wishes for no one to broach upon her freedom, even if that freedom might be violated unintentionally.  She said to Merle, “No; but you sometimes say things that I think people who have always been happy wouldn’t have found out…a great many people give me the impression of never having for a moment felt anything” (168).James presents Isabel as one who values feeling and experience to a high degree.  It is arguable whether or not her ideal of life is wise or realistic. Isabel wishes for a glamorous story. One can only wait and see whether or not that ideal will be futile, if not dangerous.