In psychology, one of the most debated topics concerns the question of the environmental and social impact on one's education. It is commonly believed that society plays a huge role in how one behaves and how readily one conforms to the environment in which one was raised. For example, in a society where fairness is valued, one is expected to behave in a well-modeled manner. . In The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James, Isabel Archer, the novel's protagonist, serves as the epitome of one who mirrors her surroundings. As he travels from North America to Europe, his behaviors, perspectives, values, and desires begin to change dramatically. Through the use of formal elements, such as imagery, language, structure, and tone, Henry James clearly delineates Europe as a country of refinement and decadence, and North America as a country of innocence and individualism. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay In the opening lines of the novel, James captures the essence of European social conventions with this image: “Under certain circumstances there are few hours in life more pleasant than the hour devoted to the ceremony known as afternoon tea (17). ” James takes a simple social custom of the English tea ceremony and embellishes the tone and language of the passage to provide readers with an image of the European upper class. This image of order and aristocracy is quickly disrupted when Isabel enters the novel he beginning of the novel, Isabel Archer is described as one of the "American girls accustomed to much deference and a high spirit (27)". Peripheral characters such as Lord Warburton and Ralph are struck by Isabel's vivacity; Lord Warburton exclaims that Isabel is the her “idea of ​​an interesting woman” (30) and Ralph envies her desire for independence as a girl who “thinks she knows a lot about the world – like most girls Americans are ridiculously wrong (47).” Isabel is clearly not in tune with European traditions of social conventions. By juxtaposing the two representatives of North America and Europe through imagery and language, James reveals to readers that not only is there a stark contrast between the two settings, but there is also a disparity between characters who come from different settings. Likewise, James often switches the perspectives in which readers see Isabel. Using the structure of “portrait” as the organizing image of the novel, James shows us the actions of Isabel from her perspective and her voice. To know her readers that “her deepest enjoyment is to feel the continuity between the movements of her own soul and the agitations of the world (41)”. to reveal to readers the impressions Isabel makes on those around her By shedding this new light on Isabel, James not only reinforces Isabel's character and the optimism, innocence, and American independence she embodies, but also divulges elements. of its character which will prove incompatible in Europe. As Isabel's stay in Europe lengthens, readers begin to see more clearly the struggles she faces between independence and European social conventions. Isabel believes she is an independent person, with the utmost passion for freedom, exploration and adventures. She distances herself from romantic attractions and rejects marriage proposals because they would ultimately limit her autonomy. “At the risk of adding to the evidence of his self-sufficiency it must be said that there had been times when this possibility of admirationfrom a character represented for her an aggression almost to the degree of an affront, even to the degree of an inconvenience (94).” Although Isabel never defines the independence she desires, constantly rejecting the proposals of Lord Warburton and Caspar Goodwood, Isabel suggests that individual self-sufficiency contradicts a traditional marriage. On the other hand, Isabel also has a desire to conform to European society. She is attracted to the Molyneuxs' calm, conventional lifestyle and envies the Warburton sisters for their docility and submissiveness. Because Isabel grew up without an authority figure during her childhood, she has an innate desire for safety, stability, safety, and security, which gives her the propensity to conform and easily accept social conventions. Although she believes that marrying Lord Warburton “would fail to sustain any enlightened prejudice in favor of the free exploration of life which he had hitherto entertained or was now capable of entertaining (101),” she now embraces the idea that “with whatever qualification may be, Lord Warburton had offered her a great opportunity (101).” Marrying into the English aristocracy would denote social opportunity for Isabel, giving her status, security and stability. Isabel's changed way of thinking manifests to readers that Isabel's American values ​​are rapidly dissipating as European romanticism and idealism are slowly but steadily washing over her like the tide of an ocean. Despite many self-proclamations of becoming an autonomous woman who seeks only answers from her own heart, Isabel's wavering desires for self-independence, status, and stability in European society ultimately leave her vulnerable to Madame Merle's manipulations. Described as a woman who “knew [knows] how to think – a rare achievement in a woman… of course, she also knew [knows] how to feel; this was truly Madame Merle's great talent, her most perfect gift (164), Madame Merle serves to represent the decadence of Europe. She is renounced and fulfilled; represents the social convention. But ultimately he uses his gifts as a means for his own gain. By creating an illusory figure, Madame Merle tricks Isabel into believing that Gilbert Osmond is "quite above the respectable average," a man who "had more perception and taste - being artistic through and through (211)." In reality, Osmond is pretentious, narrow-minded and unattractive, but as he "appears" to Isabel as intelligent, she becomes increasingly attracted to him. James' use of language, imagery, tone, and structure in this section of the novel is extremely crucial to not only foreshadow Isabel's downfall, but also to see Isabel's final decision at the novel's conclusion. The language and tone James uses to describe Osmond and his surroundings is outwardly disturbing. While visiting Mr. Osmond at his home, “there was something grave and strong about the place; it seemed somehow as if, once inside, you would need an act of energy to get out (217).” This image of captivity is seen repeatedly when Pansy, Osmond's daughter, is introduced. Pansy was protected from the outside influences of the European convention; she was raised in a convent to live a life in submission and obedience to her father. James repeatedly associates his character with the surroundings of his home. The Touchetts' home at the Gardencourt is described as an elegant and sophisticated place, while Isabel's decrepit home in New York reflects her weak upbringing and education. Just as Osmond's house proves creepy, Osmond himself is mysterious, sinister, and disturbing. Another image that foreshadows Isabel's future is James' portrayal of her as a (296)..