Big Read: The Aspern Papers by Henry James

The Aspern Papers by Henry James is the story of an obsessed admirer of a deceased romantic poet and the desperate lengths he will go to in order to procure papers allegedly held by the poet’s former lover.

Set against the background of 19th century Venice, it asks the questions of whether the literary historian has a right, indeed a duty, to uncover the past and at what cost. 

Things to think about while you’re reading:

• Is the unnamed narrator a  ‘publishing scoundrel’ or an ethical and sincere literary historian?

• Would the poet have wanted his papers to be made public and is Miss Bordereau, therefore, guarding what Aspern may not have wanted to be guarded?

• What are the literary historian’s moral responsibilities and do they transgress boundaries when they delve into a subject’s private and personal lives? 

• Does the narrator cross the threshold into a place of intimacy or do the romantic poets encourage this intimacy through the nature of their poetry?

• The rise of the cult of the celebrity grew in the Victorian period and ‘fandom’ became more intrusive. How does James comment on this in The Aspern Papers?

Big Read is free for BRLSI members – please let us know you’re coming via the RSVP button below. Non-members are very welcome to attend for only £3!

Led by Hilary Macklin