The Illusion of Endless Desire: A Philosophical Essay on The King of Elfland's Daughter

The essay examines Lord Dunsany's *The King of Elfland's Daughter* as a philosophical intervention that challenges prevailing notions of reality, desire, and enchantment. It contrasts positivist and Romantic perspectives on the relationship between the mortal world and the enchanted realm, emphasizing the ontological distinction and the importance of maintaining a horizon rather than seeking possession or union. The analysis demonstrates how the novel articulates a view in which the finite is constituted through its orientation toward the infinite, advocating for a relationship characterized by distinction and sustained awareness. Ultimately, the work positions the boundary between worlds as a horizon that enriches human existence by preserving its depth and meaning.

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Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-03-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19063260
Primary Topic
Themes in Literature Analysis
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

The Illusion of Endless Desire: A Philosophical Essay on The King of Elfland's Daughter

Daniel Shilansky
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Themes in Literature Analysis
article

The Illusion of Endless Desire: A Philosophical Essay on The King of Elfland's Daughter

Daniel Shilansky
article en

Abstract

The essay examines Lord Dunsany's *The King of Elfland's Daughter* as a philosophical intervention that challenges prevailing notions of reality, desire, and enchantment. It contrasts positivist and Romantic perspectives on the relationship between the mortal world and the enchanted realm, emphasizing the ontological distinction and the importance of maintaining a horizon rather than seeking possession or union. The analysis demonstrates how the novel articulates a view in which the finite is constituted through its orientation toward the infinite, advocating for a relationship characterized by distinction and sustained awareness. Ultimately, the work positions the boundary between worlds as a horizon that enriches human existence by preserving its depth and meaning.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
English Heritage (GB)
Reduced inequalities
Openalex Percentile: Top 16%
Themes in Literature Analysis
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