The Aspern Papers Summary

An unnamed young publisher is eager to lay his hands on the personal papers of the renowned poet Jeffery Aspern. He learns that Aspern's lover, the divine Juliana Bordereau, now an elderly woman, is living in Venice with her middle-aged niece. The young publisher rents a room from the two impoverished women, hoping to win their confidence and possession of the love letters. This effort is hampered by his fear of the powerful older woman and his halfhearted flirting with the niece, Miss Tita Bordereau. He has an opportunity to steal the papers, but is too timid to act. Eventually Juliana dies, and Miss Tita inherits the papers. If he marries the middle-aged, unattractive Miss Tita, the young publisher will have the papers. Horrified at her suggestion, the publisher wanders the streets of Venice all night. In the morning...