The Aspern Papers (eBook)

Henry James (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
91 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654736104-6 (EAN)

Infos

In "The Aspern Papers," Henry James crafts a masterful exploration of obsession, authenticity, and the delicate interplay of art and life. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Venice, the novella tells the story of an unnamed American editor who seeks to obtain the letters of a celebrated but elusive poet, Jeffrey Aspern, from his former lover, Miss Tina. James employs his characteristic psychological realism and intricate prose style, delving into themes of memory and the commodification of art, all while establishing a tense atmosphere of intrigue and moral ambiguity within a richly layered narrative. Henry James, an eminent figure in the realm of literary modernism, was deeply influenced by transatlantic cultural currents and his own experiences in Europe. His fascination with intricate characterizations and the nuances of social interaction informed his portrayal of the complex relationships in "The Aspern Papers." This novella not only reflects James's exploration of aesthetic dilemmas but also his struggle to reconcile European and American literary traditions during a transformative period in literature. Readers intrigued by psychological depth and a keen exploration of the complexities of human desire and legacy will find "The Aspern Papers" compelling. James's meticulous attention to detail and the rich psychological landscapes he paints invite reflection on the nature of artistic ambition. This work stands as a pivotal study in understanding the interaction of love, art, and the human condition, making it a necessary addition to any literary canon.

Autor

Henry James (1843-1916) was an eminent American-born writer, known for his sophisticated prose and in-depth exploration of the consciousness of his characters. He spent the majority of his later life in Europe, and his works often delved into the complexities of the 'international theme'—the interactions between Americans and Europeans. James's fiction is characterized by a focus on internal conflicts and moral dilemmas, set against meticulously depicted social environments. A prolific writer, his oeuvre includes novels, short stories, and essays, with notable works including 'The Portrait of a Lady', 'The Wings of the Dove', and 'The Golden Bowl'. 'The Aspern Papers', published in 1888, exemplifies James's literary preoccupations with issues of privacy, obsession, and the intersecting lives of the past and present. The novella revolves around a literary scholar's ethical quandary over obtaining the private letters of a deceased poet. James's narrative technique, particularly his use of an unreliable narrator in 'The Aspern Papers', shows his innovative approach to storytelling and contributes to his reputation as a forerunner of literary modernism and a master of psychological realism. James's works have been extensively studied for their narrative style and complexity, earning him a place as a key figure in the transition from 19th-century literary traditions to 20th-century literary modernism.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 15.9.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Essays / Feuilleton
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Klassiker / Moderne Klassiker
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Krimi / Thriller / Horror ► Horror
• Schlagworte: 19th-Century Literature • 19th century settings • 19th-century Venice setting • american expatriate • American expatriate literature • American Literature • antiquarian book collecting • Artistic reverence • authorial obsession • Character Study • classic literary fiction • Collectors and collecting • decaying grandeur • Fiction • Henry James influence • Henry James novella • historical intrigue • human motivations • Italy • letters of a poet • Literary legacy • literary manuscript chase • literary suspense • Manipulative Relationships • Manuscripts • Man-woman relationships • moral complexity • mysterious atmosphere • Obsession theme • poets • psychological drama • psychological fiction • psychological intrigue • The Aspern Papers analysis • Venetian historical fiction • Venetian obsession • Venetian setting • Venice