This novel follows the travels and fate of an independent but naïve young American, Isabel Archer, as she encounters the charms and treachery of the Old World and its inhabitants in the late 1800s. In its exploration of the attitudes of American and British culture, it illustrates a lifestyle of great wealth, in which friendships and love interests are often based on monetary gain. Female characters are empowered to think and choose for themselves, sometimes with negative consequences.

Students analyze literary elements such as character, setting, theme, conflict, point of view, and symbolism. They also research the historical context of the novel, keep a reader-response journal, identify characteristics of realism and naturalism, explore the recurring motif of artwork in the novel, and consider the challenges in adapting a novel to film. 

Supplementary materials include an objective quiz with answer key and essay topics.

Equality
Freedom
Loyalty
Self-actualization
Truth