The Portrait of a Lady (The Unabridged Edition) - Enriched edition A Journey Through Love Power and Independence in 19th-century America

Henry James

Maison d'édition: Good Press

Synopsis

In 'The Portrait of a Lady,' Henry James crafts a compelling narrative that explores the intricate inner life of Isabel Archer, a young American woman navigating the complexities of European society in the late 19th century. With James's signature psychological realism, the novel delves into themes of freedom, identity, and the consequences of choice. The rich character development and nuanced social commentary highlight the contrasts between American innocence and European sophistication, rendering this work not only a captivating story but also a profound examination of cultural dynamics and the rigidities of social expectation. Henry James, an expatriate author deeply influenced by the cultural milieu of Europe and the shifting dynamics of his own American identity, wrote 'The Portrait of a Lady' as a testament to both his literary ambitions and his empathy for women's struggles in a patriarchal society. His extensive travels and profound interest in psychological complexity allowed him to create a protagonist whose rich interiority reflects the trials of self-discovery amidst external pressures. James's acute observations about humanity continue to resonate, capturing the reader's imagination across generations. For those seeking a masterful exploration of character and society, 'The Portrait of a Lady' is essential reading. James's intricate prose and profound insights into the human psyche create a timeless narrative that invites readers to ponder the choices we make and their far-reaching implications. This unabridged edition offers the complete experience of a literary landmark that remains relevant and engaging.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Disponible depuis: 06/01/2024.

Longueur d'impression: 482 pages.

D'autres livres qui pourraient vous intéresser

Against the Grain or Against Nature

Joris-Karl Huysmans

"Against Nature" or "Against the Grain"—is an 1884 novel by the French writer Joris-Karl Huysmans. Let's explore this intriguing work: Plot Summary: The narrative revolves around a single character: Jean des Esseintes. He is an eccentric, reclusive, and ailing aesthete. As the last scion of an aristocratic family, Des Esseintes despises nineteenth-century bourgeois society. His goal is to retreat into an ideal artistic world of his own creation. The novel primarily consists of a catalogue of Des Esseintes's neurotic aesthetic tastes, musings on literature, painting, religion, and hyperaesthetic sensory experiences. "À rebours" delves into themes associated with the Symbolist aesthetic, breaking away from Naturalism and becoming the epitome of "Decadent" literature. It profoundly influenced works like Oscar Wilde's ""The Picture of Dorian Gray""1. Background: Huysmans, the author, underwent a significant shift in his writing style. His early works were Naturalist, depicting the drudgery of working-class life in Paris. However, he found this approach limiting and decided to apply the minutely documented realistic detail to a portrait of an exceptional individual: Jean des Esseintes. The character of Des Esseintes is partly based on Huysmans himself, sharing similar tastes but taken to greater extremes. Huysmans transformed this "wild and gloomy fantasy" into the novel ""À rebours""12. "Against Nature" invites readers into a world of decadence, introspection, and aesthetic obsession."

Voir livre

American Notes

Rudyard Kipling

American Notes is a compelling travelogue by Rudyard Kipling that offers a nuanced and insightful perspective on his journey through the United States. Through vivid descriptions and astute observations, Kipling provides a fascinating exploration of American society, culture, and politics during the late 19th century. With his characteristic wit and keen eye for detail, Kipling presents an engaging narrative that sheds light on the complexities and contradictions of the American experience. 
 
Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was a British author best known for his works of fiction and poetry, often set in the context of the British Empire. He was born in Bombay, India, and spent a significant part of his life there, which greatly influenced his writing. Kipling's notable works include "The Jungle Book," "Kim," "Just So Stories,".

Voir livre

The Adventures of Dr Thorndyke

R. Austin Freeman

Written by R.Austin Freeman, The Adventures of Dr Thorndyke (also sometimes known as The Singing Bone) present five tales of crime and forensic detection from the inventor of the inverted detective story:The Case of Oscar BrodskiA lost diamond merchant chances upon the house of a fence and burglar, with fatal consequences...A Case of PremeditationWhere a former prison guard tries his hand at blackmail, to his cost...The Echo of a MutinyOn a lonely lighthouse, a man, hiding from the world, has a chance encounter with the one person he least expected to ever see, and vice-versa...A Wastrel's RomanceDown on his luck, and living by his wits, a disgraced former officer attends a Spinsters ball under false pretences and looking for an easy score to put food on the table, but a chance encounter leaves him running for his life...The Old LagA reformed criminal comes to Dr Thorndyke, claiming he's been framed for murder. The fingerprint evidence seems conclusive... but is all as it appears?Narrated by Michael Ward.

Voir livre

Fall of the House of Usher The...

Edgar Allan Poe

The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe is a quintessential gothic masterpiece that plunges listeners into a world of madness, decay, and supernatural dread. The story begins with an unnamed narrator arriving at the eerie, crumbling mansion of his childhood friend, Roderick Usher. The atmosphere is heavy, oppressive, and filled with a sense of impending doom as the narrator observes the house’s deteriorating state and the strange behavior of its inhabitants.
Roderick Usher, afflicted by a mysterious illness that heightens his senses and mind, confides in the narrator about his fears regarding the house and his twin sister, Madeline. As tensions rise and a storm brews, the narrative unfolds with a series of chilling events that build to an unforgettable climax. The story weaves together themes of madness, family curses, and the supernatural, all set against the dark, oppressive backdrop of the Usher estate.
Poe’s mastery of language and atmosphere creates an unsettling experience that lingers long after the tale ends. The audiobook format brings the sinister whispers, echoing footsteps, and haunting descriptions of the mansion to life, immersing listeners in the gothic horror that only Poe can conjure.
Perfect for fans of dark, psychological tales and gothic fiction, The Fall of the House of Usher is a must-listen for those seeking a chilling, atmospheric experience.
Start Listening to The Fall of the House of Usher today, and step into the shadowy world of Poe’s haunting imagination!

Voir livre

Bartleby the Scrivener

Herman Melville

The narrator, an elderly Manhattan lawyer with a very comfortable business helping wealthy men deal with mortgages, deeds, and bonds. One day, Bartleby, a relatively new employee is asked to help proofread a document and Bartleby answers with what soon becomes his stock response: I would prefer not to. To the dismay of the narrator and to the irritation of the other employees, Bartleby performs fewer and fewer tasks around the office.

Voir livre

Helen of Troy: The Dark Shadow...

Deivede Eder Ferreira

Helena de Tróia: A Sombra Negra do Desejo 
The most beautiful woman in history. The most dangerous desire ever known. 
Helen of Troy—queen, lover, myth. A woman whose name ignited a thousand ships and plunged empires into war. But was she truly the cause of Troy’s fall, or just a pawn in a battle far greater than herself? Was she a seductress, a victim, or something far more complex? 
This audiobook takes you beyond the legend, unraveling the untold story of Helen through the lens of passion, power, and psychology. Blending myth with deep psychoanalytic insights from Freud and Lacan, it exposes the truth behind the woman history could never define. 
She was more than beauty. She was a force of nature. And she was never truly free. 
A gripping, immersive experience that will change the way you see one of history’s most infamous women. 
Are you ready to uncover the dark shadow of desire? Press play and step into Helen’s world.

Voir livre