Debate Topics
The Portrait of a Lady — Volume 1 by James, Henry
Pick a story conflict
Independence vs. Security
"Is it more empowering for a woman to forge her own path, even if it means facing uncertainty and societal disapproval, or to secure her future within the established structures of marriage and wealth?"
American Innocence vs. European Experience
"Is American innocence a valuable asset that should be preserved, or a dangerous liability in the face of European worldliness and manipulation?"
Art vs. Life
"Is a life dedicated to the pursuit of art and beauty a noble endeavor, or a shallow substitute for genuine human connection and emotional fulfillment?"
Social Duty vs. Personal Desire
"To what extent should an individual prioritize social duty and familial obligations over their own personal desires and aspirations?"
💡 How Debates Work
Characters naturally disagree on some subjects, as the author intended! Discover the tensions that drive the story. Features: pre-loaded questions, clickable prompts; characters who remember and talk authentically based on their values. Jump back into your favorite stories in a whole new way.