Portrait of a Lady

The power differential between the two people in the poem is suggested in its formal structure. The lady’s words appear in quotation marks. The reader hears her exact words, but none of her thoughts or feelings—our only access to the lady is through external markers of characterization, such as speech, appearance, and setting. The speaker, in contrast, supplies none of his actual words but does give clear hints about his feelings, of which he has limited understanding or control. Thus, one character is direct in expression, the other is withdrawn and veiled. There is also some measure of power in the lady’s ability to be socially affable despite the awkwardness and unresponsiveness of the young man. Despite his clear distaste for their meetings, the speaker returns time and again, thrown by the guilt and confusion that underlie his participation in the relationship.

The poem’s lady is likely an older, wealthy woman of leisure trying to find some meaning in her life through what she terms “friendship” (Line 26)—though her use of the word is probably euphemistic here. While she ambiguously and somewhat manipulatively points out that without nourishing friendships, life would be a “cauchemar!” (Line 28) or nightmare, her interest in the young man is most likely romantic, sexual, or possibly one of social mentorship and patronage.