After the death of her father, Isabel Archer, a young American woman, travels to England to stay with her aunt, where she finds herself an object of affection for several men. When she is left a large legacy by her ailing uncle, she also attracts the attention of those with an interest in her substantial fortune. Faced with decisions about her future, Isabel must live with the consequences of the choices she makes, as her life is forever altered. The Portrait of a Lady is one of author Henry James' most popular novels, and is often considered a masterpiece of British fiction. In the novel James explores the dynamic between the old and new societal orders, bringing together characters from different cultures and social backgrounds. The Portrait of a Lady has been adapted for film and television, most notably in the 1996 film featuring Nicole Kidman in the role of Isabel

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