Isadora Wing
The twenty-nine-year-old poet whose affair tests her fantasies about sex, marriage, and independence.
To experience desire without losing autonomy and build a life and writing identity not defined entirely by a husband or lover.
The book
At a glance
- Poet
- Bennett Wing
- Vienna and Europe
Who they are in the book
Spoiler-freeIsadora narrates with intelligence, appetite, fear, and relentless comic revision. She accompanies Bennett to Vienna, becomes involved with Adrian, and discovers that escaping a marriage does not automatically create a self-directed life.
Her work as a poet matters as much as her love life. By the ending, authorship offers a form of independence that cannot be supplied by either man.
How Isadora Wing Is Portrayed
- Twenty-nine-year-old poetShe looks adult, intelligent, and specific.
- Early-1970s clothingPeriod style is expressive but not costume-like.
- Alert self-questioning faceConfidence and doubt move together.
- Direct lively gazeComic intelligence drives the portrait.
- Close engraved bustNo cigarette, notebook, or travel scenery appears.
- Muted violet accentThe background varies from the earlier red portraits.
The affair with Adrian ends, and Isadora returns toward Bennett with a more independent understanding of desire and authorship.
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