Isabel Archer, originally from Albany,New York, is invited by her aunt to visit her rich uncle Daniel Touchett at his estate near London, following the death of her father. There she meets her cousin Ralph Touchett, a friendly invalid, and the Touchetts' robust neighbor, Lord Warburton. Isabel later declines Warburton's sudden proposal of marriage. She also rejects the hand of Caspar Goodwood, charismatic son and heir to a wealthy Boston mill owner. Although Isabel is drawn to Caspar, her commitment to her independence contradicts such a marriage, which she feels would be sacrificial to her freedom. The elder Touchett grows ill and, at the request of his son, leaves much of his estate to Isabel upon his death shortly afterwards.
With her legacy Isabel travels through the Continent and meets an American expatriate, Gilbert Osmond, in Florence. Although Isabel had previously rejected both Warburton and American businessman Caspar Goodwood, she accepts Osmond's marriage proposal. Isabel is unaware that the marriage was actively promoted by the accomplished but untrustworthy Madame Merle, another American expatriate who Isabel had met at the Touchetts' estate.
Isabel and Osmond settle in Rome, and the marriage rapidly sours due to Osmond's overwhelming egotism and lack of genuine affection. Isabel grows fond of Pansy, Osmond's daughter presumably by his first marriage, and wants to grant her wish to marry Ned Rosier, a young art collector. The snobbish Osmond would rather Pansy accept Warburton's gauche proposal of marriage (after he had previously proposed to Isabel).
This leads to even more strain on Isabel's marriage. She learns that Ralph is dying at his estate in England, and prepares to go to him for his final hours. Osmond selfishly opposes her plans to visit Ralph. Meanwhile, Isabel learns from her sister-in-law that Pansy is really the daughter of Madame Merle, who had an adulterous relationship with Osmond for several years.
Isabel confronts Madame Merle, then leaves to comfort the dying Ralph in England, where she remains until his death. Goodwood encounters her at Ralph's estate and begs her to leave Osmond and come away with him. He passionately embraces and kisses her, but Isabel will not consent to his demands. She returns to Osmond in Rome.
With her legacy Isabel travels through the Continent and meets an American expatriate, Gilbert Osmond, in Florence. Although Isabel had previously rejected both Warburton and American businessman Caspar Goodwood, she accepts Osmond's marriage proposal. Isabel is unaware that the marriage was actively promoted by the accomplished but untrustworthy Madame Merle, another American expatriate who Isabel had met at the Touchetts' estate.
Isabel and Osmond settle in Rome, and the marriage rapidly sours due to Osmond's overwhelming egotism and lack of genuine affection. Isabel grows fond of Pansy, Osmond's daughter presumably by his first marriage, and wants to grant her wish to marry Ned Rosier, a young art collector. The snobbish Osmond would rather Pansy accept Warburton's gauche proposal of marriage (after he had previously proposed to Isabel).
This leads to even more strain on Isabel's marriage. She learns that Ralph is dying at his estate in England, and prepares to go to him for his final hours. Osmond selfishly opposes her plans to visit Ralph. Meanwhile, Isabel learns from her sister-in-law that Pansy is really the daughter of Madame Merle, who had an adulterous relationship with Osmond for several years.
Isabel confronts Madame Merle, then leaves to comfort the dying Ralph in England, where she remains until his death. Goodwood encounters her at Ralph's estate and begs her to leave Osmond and come away with him. He passionately embraces and kisses her, but Isabel will not consent to his demands. She returns to Osmond in Rome.
1 комментарий:
Lera, thank you for the summary of the novel.
However, it's very important to give links to the source where you have borrowed the information. Please stay away from plagiarism!
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