The Aspern Papers

The story is set in Venice and follows the character of an unnamed American editor and researcher. The editor is obsessed with acquiring the letters and papers of the deceased poet Jeffrey Aspern whose work he admires greatly. Aspern had a scandalous love affair with a woman named Juliana Bordereau who is now elderly and reclusive. The editor becomes determined to obtain Asperns letters which he believes are in Julianas possession. To achieve this he manipulates his way into the household by renting a room from Julianas niece Miss Tina Bordereau. The editors true intentions are hidden from both women and he develops a complicated relationship with them as he attempts to secure the papers. The Aspern Papers delves into themes of literary obsession the ethics of exploiting personal history for professional gain and the consequences of intruding into the private lives of artists and their loved ones. The novella examines the power dynamics between those who create art and those who seek to profit from it as well as the blurred lines between personal and public spheres.