Throughout the novel, various characters and the narrator attempt to capture Isabel's essence in a portrait, but none fully succeed. A compelling topic for discussion is what drives the desire to "fix" her in a static depiction and why it proves so challenging. Isabel herself strives to avoid being definitively defined by others, as her youth, optimism, and imagination drive her to seek constant change and growth. However, her dream of freedom and extreme individualism inevitably clash with the inherent limitations of living within a human community. Groups might explore the numerous facets of James's exploration of the theme of freedom versus necessity. Additionally, it would be intriguing to consider how the novel's vision of self, society, and others remains relevant in today's world. The theme of belated knowledge and self-awareness, especially in characters like Isabel and Ralph who pride themselves on their supposed ability to confront life directly, also invites serious discussion. Examining their mistakes could lead to speculation about the tragic nature of James's view of human nature and the challenging choices we all face in discerning which opportunities are genuine chances for growth and which harbor hidden dangers. James chose not to give his novel a happy ending or even to suggest that Isabel's decision to return to Rome would ultimately bring her peace and happiness. Discussion of the ending could focus on the historical and psychological factors influencing Isabel's decision, whether it possesses dramatic credibility, and how convincing it appears today.

1. What do the concepts of "freedom," "choice," and "destiny" mean for Isabel? Do any other characters in the story share these ideas?

2. To what extent is Isabel's rejection of Lord Warburton and Caspar Goodwood due to her fear they will limit her freedom to explore the world, and to what extent is it related to her fear of sexuality? What images suggest these various fears?

3. Why does Ralph want Isabel to inherit a large sum of money? Is his altruism mixed with any selfish motives? When does he realize the gravity of his mistake?

4. When does the reader begin to suspect that Madame Merle is not the person Isabel believes her to be? Why doesn't Isabel suspect her of duplicity? Why did Merle abandon her daughter?

5. What role does Mrs. Touchett play in the novel?

6. What aspects of Osmond's characterization make him the most diabolical figure in the novel? What symbols reinforce his association with the devil?

7. Why does Isabel choose Osmond as her husband? What does this choice reveal about her?

8. Why is Isabel hesitant to tell Ralph she is unhappy in her marriage? What does her obvious unhappiness mean for Ralph?

9. How are Gardencourt and Palazzo Roccanera contrasted? What aspects of Isabel's quest do they each represent?

10. James believed that Isabel's introspection in Chapter Forty-Two advanced his narrative as effectively as a series of external events. What "occurs" in this chapter? How has Isabel transformed due to her contemplation? How do these transformations influence her subsequent actions?

11. How does James utilize Pansy and her infatuation with Ned Rosier to shed light on Osmond's character?

12. How does Pansy's predicament contribute to Isabel's growing awareness of her own situation?

13. Why does Osmond forbid Isabel from visiting Gardencourt when Ralph is dying? Why is Isabel hesitant to defy him?

14. What revelations does Isabel have about herself at Gardencourt? What insights does she gain about her relationships with others?

15. What drives Isabel's decision to return to Rome?