The Portrait of a Lady

The story centers on Isabel Archer, a vibrant American woman who inherits a fortune and seeks independence in Europe. Initially rejecting marriage, she becomes enamored with expatriate Gilbert Osmond in Florence, ultimately accepting his proposal. However, her hopes for happiness are dashed when she discovers his selfishness and emotional detachment after they settle in Rome. Through Isabel's journey, the novel explores themes of freedom, identity, and the cultural clash between America and Europe, solidifying its status as a modern classic.