Daughters of the Air

Authors

  • Arturo Mazzarella Università Roma Tre

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.1721-4777/9438

Keywords:

Henry James, Theodor Fontane, desiderio, astrazione, indeterminazione, libertà

Abstract

The essay aims to relate the two novels, The Spoils of Poynton and Effi Briest, respectively by Henry James and Theodor Fontane, emphasizing the common aspect of the two female protagonists: Fleda Vetch and, indeed, Effi Briest, united by the same nature , abstract and indeterminate, of the passion that drives them. Instead of turning to a precise object, their desire is presented, in fact, as pure fluctuating energy, making the two women victims of their own instability but, at the same time, free – tragically free – from any dependence: for this very similar to two «daughters of the air», according to the definition of Fontane.

Published

2019-08-09

How to Cite

Mazzarella, A. (2019). Daughters of the Air. Griseldaonline, 18(1), 120–127. https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.1721-4777/9438

Issue

Section

Methodologica