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Illustrated portrait of Isadora Wing

A character in Fear of Flying

Isadora Wing

The twenty-nine-year-old poet whose affair tests her fantasies about sex, marriage, and independence.

What they want in Isadora’s account

To experience desire without losing autonomy and build a life and writing identity not defined entirely by a husband or lover.

The book

Cover of Fear of Flying by Erica Jong
Fear of FlyingErica Jong, 1973

Isadora Wing tests sexual fantasy, marriage, and freedom in a candid, feverish, and sharply self-mocking voice.

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At a glance

Work
Poet
Second husband
Bennett Wing
Journey
Vienna and Europe

Who they are in the book

Spoiler-free

Isadora 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 the book draws them

Appearance, manner, and tone — as the book sketches them, in our words.

  • 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.
What happens to Isadora WingHow the book leaves them, what happened after, and what the record says. Open when you're ready.

The affair with Adrian ends, and Isadora returns toward Bennett with a more independent understanding of desire and authorship.

If you like Fear of Flying

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If you like Erica Jong

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