Daughters of the Air

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.

Keywords

• henry james
• theodor fontane
• desiderio
• astrazione
• indeterminazione
• libertà