Throughout the novel the various characters and the narrator attempt to trace Isabel's portrait but no one succeeds completely. A fruitfu l topic for discussion would be what motivates the desire to "fix" her in a static depiction and why it is so difficult to do so.

Isabel herself makes a strong effort to escape final definition by others since her youth, optimism and imagination make her desire constant change and growth. Inevitably, however, her dream of freedom and her extreme individualism come up against the inherent limitations of life in the human community. Groups may wish to examine the many aspects of James's development of the theme of freedom vs necessity. In addition, it would be interesting to consider to what extent the vision of self, society and others that emerges in this novel is relevant in the contemporary world. Also inviting serious discussion is...