Z
zhaobaoqing176
Guest
I hope you might give me your idea about Jamesian theme of the American in conflict with European culture.I hope you may give me some instruction.Thanks.
From the figures in literary works we can see the influence of conventions and culture on people.I choose one of James' representative novels,"The Portrait of a Lady"to prove this point.
The long European conventions and culture have dual impacts on people,negative and positive.From Madame Merle and Gilbert Osmond,we can see the sordid side of the European,mercenary,sophisticated,cynical,blase.But there are some merits,such as Ralph's generosity and kindness,Lord Warburton and Goodwood's persistence to love which may be a reflection of the outlook toward marriage during Victorian period.In contrast, the short history and culture make Americans unsophisticated,free from the restriction and fetters of the past.Isabel is the symbol of America and embodies the virtues of this young country .She is unsophisticated,youthful,energetic,virtuous,sensitive,perceptive and intelligent,but she is the prey of a fortune-hunter.
If James put Isabel not in Europe but China,she would have the same fate,or worse than this one,due to the culture similarity between China and the Europe ,which may devout her.
This is a brief outline.I sincerely hope to get your criticism.
And how to add more details
Thank you
From the figures in literary works we can see the influence of conventions and culture on people.I choose one of James' representative novels,"The Portrait of a Lady"to prove this point.
The long European conventions and culture have dual impacts on people,negative and positive.From Madame Merle and Gilbert Osmond,we can see the sordid side of the European,mercenary,sophisticated,cynical,blase.But there are some merits,such as Ralph's generosity and kindness,Lord Warburton and Goodwood's persistence to love which may be a reflection of the outlook toward marriage during Victorian period.In contrast, the short history and culture make Americans unsophisticated,free from the restriction and fetters of the past.Isabel is the symbol of America and embodies the virtues of this young country .She is unsophisticated,youthful,energetic,virtuous,sensitive,perceptive and intelligent,but she is the prey of a fortune-hunter.
If James put Isabel not in Europe but China,she would have the same fate,or worse than this one,due to the culture similarity between China and the Europe ,which may devout her.
This is a brief outline.I sincerely hope to get your criticism.
And how to add more details
Thank you