I'm busy working my way through The Portrait of a Lady this month and just finished chapter 31 yesterday. My goal is to finish by the end of the month... we shall see if I make it!
The main character, Isabel Archer, has just returned to her aunt's residence in Florence, Italy, after a year of travel. My guess is that she will soon be married, and not to a very good man. As quick-witted as she appears, she's going to fall for the classic trap of a man after her fortune (I think!).
I'm enjoying the novel but have to say that I don't particularly care for any of the characters, except maybe Ralph. I do like him. But why is it so important for me to like the characters I'm reading about? Is it the need for a likeable character to root for? I'm not sure, but I'm learning that many of the characters in these classic novels aren't meant to be likeable. To teach a lesson or make a point, perhaps, but they're not necessarily there for us to like them.
1 comment:
I'm with you on liking Ralph. I too need someone to cheer for. If I don't like any of the characters, why would I want to keep reading their story?
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