Literature
Great Works: Henry James: The Portrait of a Lady
An all-levels literature course examining Henry James’s The Portrait of a Lady through close reading, discussion and contextual criticism.
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Upcoming classes
1 class
About this course
The course explores Henry James’s The Portrait of a Lady, focusing on its treatment of personal freedom, female agency, responsibility, betrayal, secrecy and manipulation. Participants will examine how James represents Isabel Archer’s consciousness and consider the novel’s ambiguous ending. Teaching combines close analysis of textual extracts with class discussion, visual slides and occasional video clips. Critical and contextual material will also be used to consider James’s ideas about fiction, alongside a brief look at the novel’s screen adaptations.
What you'll learn
- Analyse the language and narrative methods used in The Portrait of a Lady
- Examine the novel’s major themes and concerns
- Discuss the representation of Isabel Archer’s consciousness and inner life
- Relate the novel to Henry James’s ideas about fiction
- Consider how the novel has been adapted for the screen
Is this course right for you?
The course is open to learners at all levels and does not require prior knowledge of Henry James or the novel. Participation centres on close reading and class discussion, with reading The Portrait of a Lady beforehand described as helpful preparation.
- Suitable for learners without prior knowledge of the subject
- Includes discussion of textual extracts alongside individual reading
- Reading the novel before the course is helpful but not stated as required
Before you go
- Participants need to buy or borrow their own copy of The Portrait of a Lady; any edition can be used, with Oxford World Classics recommended.
- Digital extracts and contextual or critical handouts will be provided before the course, with paper copies available during the course.