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Description
When Isabel Archer, a beautiful, spirited American, is brought to Europe by her wealthy Aunt Touchett, it is expected that she will soon marry. But Isabel, resolved to determine her own fate, does not hesitate to turn down two eligible suitors. She then finds herself irresistibly drawn to... read more
Cast of Characters/Important People
- Isabel: Add a description of this character.
- Isabel Archer: American
- Mrs. Touchett: Isabel's aunt
- Gilbert Osmond: Isabel's suitor
Memorable Quotes
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“Most women did with themselves nothing at all; they waited, in attitudes more or less gracefully passive, for a man to come that way and furnish them with a destiny.”
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““I think he’s charming.” “He’s a nice person,” said Mr. Touchett, “but I don’t recommend you to fall in love with him.” “I shall not do it then; I shall never fall in love but on your recommendation.””
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“…there was always a sort of tacit understanding among women, born of the solidarity of the sex, that they should discover or invent lovers for each other…”
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““I haven’t many convictions; but I have three or four that I hold strongly. One is that people, on the whole, had better not marry their cousins. Another is that people in an advanced stage of pulmonary disorder had better not marry at all.””
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““It’s a very good thing for a girl to have refused a few good offers – so long of course as they are not the best she’s likely to have. Pardon me if my tone seems horribly corrupt; one must take the worldly view sometimes. Only don’t keep on refusing for the sake of refusing. It’s a pleasant exercise of power; but accepting’s after all an exercise of power as well.””
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““Don’t ask yourself so much whether this or that is good for you. Don’t question your conscience so much – it will get out of tune like a strummed piano. Keep it for great occasions. Don’t try so much to form your character – it’s like trying to pull open a tight, tender young rose. Live as you like best, and your character will take care of itself.””
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““…love has nothing to do with good reasons.” “I don’t agree with you. I’m delighted to have good reasons.” “Of course you are. If you were really in love you wouldn’t care a straw for them.””
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“"But I always want to know the things one shouldn't do." "So as to do them?" asked her aunt. "So as to choose," said Isabel.”
1st speaker-Isabel Archer, 2nd speaker-Mrs. Touchett (Isabel's aunt)
First Sentence
UNDER certain circumstances there are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as afternoon tea.
Table of Contents
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