The Illusion of Endless Desire: A Philosophical Essay on The King of Elfland's Daughter
Year: 2026
Type: article
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.
Author: Shilansky, Daniel
Language: English
Subfield: Philosophy
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7138291316
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