A Classical Initiation Story-the Genre Analysis Of The Portrait Of A Lady

Henry James is one of the preeminent American novelists and literary critics. The Portrait of a Lady, one of James's early masterpieces, has been studied by critics from diverse perspectives. This thesis intends to interpret it as a "classical initiation story" by analyzing the perfect illustration of its typical features on this novel.The thesis at first introduces the definition of classical initiation story and its typical features concerning essential elements of this genre, namely, major characters, plot pattern and initiation themes. It then illustrates the features in The Portrait of a Lady. The major characters including the innocent protagonist Isabel and initiation guides are analyzed to illuminate the fitness between the novel and classical initiation story. Then the general plot pattern of the genre:temptation—escape—ordeals—puzzlement—epiphany—maturity is completely reflected through Isabel's initiation journey. Finally, three binary initiation themes, innocence and experience, individual and society, assimilation and self-sacrifice, are extracted and concluded as distinctive initiation themes of this novel. Through above analysis, the thesis defines The Portrait of a Lady as a classical initiation story, also in the hope of enhancing the understanding of this genre and The Portrait of a Lady.