Named source · 1881

The Portrait of a Lady Quotes by Henry James: Context & Meanings

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If there’s a thing in the world I’m fond of, it’s my personal independence.

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“If there’s a thing in the world I’m fond of, it’s my personal independence.”

Henry James

Meaning & context

Isabel Archer states the value she places on choosing for herself, establishing independence as a central desire that later decisions will test.

Source details

The Portrait of a Lady, Volume I, Project Gutenberg #2833. Isabel says this to Caspar Goodwood while resisting his proposal and his argument that marriage would make her more independent.

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