The Portrait of a Lady: Chapter 31 Summary & Analysis

The narrative skips forward by a year. Isabel has returned to Florence, having been away for several months. She has been traveling Europe with her eldest sister, Lilian; the two have visited exotic location such as Greece and Egypt, soaking in new cultures.

Although Isabel is currently sitting beside a window at Mrs. Touchett’s house, waiting for someone, the narrator flashes back to some of the events of Isabel’s recent travels. Isabel had also invited Madame Merle to travel with she and Lilian. After spending three months with her friend, Isabel feels that she has even closer bonds with Madame Merle despite their previously strong friendship. Merle has even related some of her history with her deceased husband to Isabel, revealing that he was a selfish and manipulative character who took advantage of her youth.

During their time together, Isabel does realize that she and Madame Merle have different ethical codes. Isabel presumes that her own is superior, describing Merle’s as “values gone wrong.” The narrator also observes that Isabel’s imagination is just as active as ever.

Upon her return to Italy, Isabel goes to Rome to stay with Madame Merle. There Gilbert Osmond calls upon her each day over a three week period. In April, Isabel goes back to Mrs. Touchett’s house in Florence. She hopes to meet Ralph there upon his expected return from Corfu.