By Aanya Mitra
Author Biography:
Aanya is a final year English Literature student at the University of Edinburgh. She has a diverse range of literary interests, such as the exploration of (discomforting) female rage in Modern and Postmodern writing, as well as Classical literature, Life-writing, and Modern Fantasy. She is passionate about editing, currently holding positions in two student-run publications at the University of Edinburgh: Publications Manager at the Edinburgh Student Literary Journal (ESLJ), and Deputy Editor at The Broad Online.
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This essay explores the ethical considerations of biographical pursuit as James creates a story where the narrator and protagonist seem to be at odds with one another. This essay argues that the narrator's ethical violations, driven by his biographical ambitions and desire for fame, lead to his identification with the poet Jeffrey Aspern. Henry James however, upholds strict moral principles, condemning any invasion of privacy. The essay examines how the narrator dismisses values such as authenticity and sincerity in his pursuit of Aspern’s letters. James' critique of the narrator’s motives highlights the moral dangers of biographical work driven by self-interest. Ultimately, the narrator's obsessive quest results in personal and ethical downfall, illustrating James' caution against violating privacy for literary ambition.
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