F R E D E RF R E D E R

I I C C K K

P P H H I I L L I I P P

G G R R O O VVEE

Frederick Philip Grove’sFrederick Philip Grove’sObsession WithObsession With

Else von Freytag-Loringhoven Else von Freytag-Loringhoven

Frederick Philip Grove’sFrederick Philip Grove’sObsession WithObsession With

Else von Freytag-Loringhoven Else von Freytag-Loringhoven

The EvidenceThe Evidencein his in his

First Canadian NovelsFirst Canadian Novels

by Gaby Divayby Gaby Divayfor thefor theGerman-Canadian Chair,German-Canadian Chair, UW UW Winnipeg, Dec 4, 2003Winnipeg, Dec 4, 2003

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WHO was he?WHO was he?

Frederick Philip Grove was really born Felix Paul Greve Frederick Philip Grove was really born Felix Paul Greve in 1879 in 1879

In Dec 1902, he & Else, wife of his friend August Endell, In Dec 1902, he & Else, wife of his friend August Endell, become lovers; they elope to Palermo in Jan 1903 become lovers; they elope to Palermo in Jan 1903

In 1903/4, Greve serves a prison sentence in Bonn for In 1903/4, Greve serves a prison sentence in Bonn for defrauding his friend Kiliandefrauding his friend Kilian

Greve & Else live in Wollerau & Paris-Plage until 1906, Greve & Else live in Wollerau & Paris-Plage until 1906, then in Berlin until Greve disappears in July 1909then in Berlin until Greve disappears in July 1909

He roams the Unites States until he appears as Grove in He roams the Unites States until he appears as Grove in Manitoba, in 1912 Manitoba, in 1912

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And WHO was she??And WHO was she??

She was born Else Ploetz in 1874 She was born Else Ploetz in 1874 In Berlin, in the 1890s, she lives with members of the In Berlin, in the 1890s, she lives with members of the

Stefan George Circle, notably Melchior Lechter & Stefan George Circle, notably Melchior Lechter & Ernst Hardt Ernst Hardt

In 1901, she marries August Endell, one of the In 1901, she marries August Endell, one of the “Masters” surrounding George, in Munich“Masters” surrounding George, in Munich

The Endells move to Berlin; Greve soon becomes a The Endells move to Berlin; Greve soon becomes a daily visitor, until the three-some head for Palermo in daily visitor, until the three-some head for Palermo in Jan1903 (Endell is left behind in Naples)Jan1903 (Endell is left behind in Naples)

Else & Greve are reunited when he gets out of prison in Else & Greve are reunited when he gets out of prison in June 1904; they remain together until Greve June 1904; they remain together until Greve disappears in July 1909 disappears in July 1909

Else follows Greve to Pittsburgh in June 1910Else follows Greve to Pittsburgh in June 1910

Stefan GeorgeStefan George

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A gruesome end in Kentucky…A gruesome end in Kentucky…

They operate a small farm near Sparta, Kentucky until They operate a small farm near Sparta, Kentucky until Greve leaves her in the fall of 1911 Greve leaves her in the fall of 1911

According to Else, the Greve she joined in America According to Else, the Greve she joined in America upheld a “back to nature” ideal, including blonde & upheld a “back to nature” ideal, including blonde & blue-eyed virginity, & sexual abstinence blue-eyed virginity, & sexual abstinence

There are also hints in Else’s autobiography that the There are also hints in Else’s autobiography that the relationship was rocky before Greve left her again, and relationship was rocky before Greve left her again, and this time for goodthis time for good

Since our scandalous pair WAS married in 1907, both Since our scandalous pair WAS married in 1907, both became bigamists in 1913 & 1914 respectively!became bigamists in 1913 & 1914 respectively!

Else Baroness von Freytag-LoringhovenElse Baroness von Freytag-Loringhoven

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FPG became Grove in 1912, FPG became Grove in 1912, but what became of Else???but what became of Else???

She modelled in nearby Cincinnati, & made her way to She modelled in nearby Cincinnati, & made her way to New York New York

There, she married Leo, the black sheep of the There, she married Leo, the black sheep of the illustrious Freytag-Loringhoven family, in Nov 1913 illustrious Freytag-Loringhoven family, in Nov 1913

She made herself 10 years younger -- no doubt, to She made herself 10 years younger -- no doubt, to match the groom’s age, & used her maiden name, match the groom’s age, & used her maiden name, PloetzPloetz

She was now titled “The Baroness”, but still pennilessShe was now titled “The Baroness”, but still penniless So: more modelling, but also publications in So: more modelling, but also publications in The Little The Little

ReviewReview, & contacts with artists & writers like Man Ray, , & contacts with artists & writers like Man Ray, Marcel Duchamp, William Carlos Williams, to name Marcel Duchamp, William Carlos Williams, to name just a few of the more famous…just a few of the more famous…

Else in 1917:Oil, Theresa Bernstein, NY

Else in 1917:Oil, Theresa Bernstein, NY

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Did Grove hide from Else?Did Grove hide from Else?

There are certainly indications that he did: There are certainly indications that he did: He taught in the remotest corners of remote Manitoba for ten He taught in the remotest corners of remote Manitoba for ten

yearsyears He kept a very low profile, publishing but ONE article -- and in He kept a very low profile, publishing but ONE article -- and in

German! -- during those yearsGerman! -- during those years The timing of his first Canadian books was well-synchronized The timing of his first Canadian books was well-synchronized

with her movements from New York to Berlin & Paris with her movements from New York to Berlin & Paris He married his blonde & blue-eyed fellow-teacher He married his blonde & blue-eyed fellow-teacher

Catherine Wiens in 1914Catherine Wiens in 1914 He made himself six years older, & declared to be a He made himself six years older, & declared to be a

widower from Moscow, Russiawidower from Moscow, Russia He told her around 1915/16 that they & their infant daughter He told her around 1915/16 that they & their infant daughter

might have to pack up & leave, because of a woman…might have to pack up & leave, because of a woman… He had reason to be scared: had she known of his whereabouts, He had reason to be scared: had she known of his whereabouts,

she would have come after him…she would have come after him…

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Felix Paul’s Career in Canada, Felix Paul’s Career in Canada, 1912-19291912-1929

Significance of this Heading:Significance of this Heading:As one of his very first translations into As one of his very first translations into

German, Greve proposed Meredith’s German, Greve proposed Meredith’s Beauchanp’s Career -- Beauchanp’s Career -- that was in 1902that was in 1902

Grove volunteered to provide a spicy story Grove volunteered to provide a spicy story of his wild college years entitled “Felix of his wild college years entitled “Felix Powell’s Career” in the 1930/40sPowell’s Career” in the 1930/40s

Note the clever combination of FPG’s given Note the clever combination of FPG’s given names “Felix Paul” & Meredith’s title!names “Felix Paul” & Meredith’s title!

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Felix Paul’s Career I Felix Paul’s Career I Re-Inventing a PastRe-Inventing a Past

Before Grove emerges as an author from Rapid Before Grove emerges as an author from Rapid City in 1922, he has no reason to compose a City in 1922, he has no reason to compose a fake autobiographyfake autobiography

WHEN he has to take a stand in 1922, due to WHEN he has to take a stand in 1922, due to publishers’ & readers’ demands, he cleverly publishers’ & readers’ demands, he cleverly combines the more laudable elements of his combines the more laudable elements of his past as Greve with the vastly more desirable past as Greve with the vastly more desirable family background of …family background of …

… … his friend-turned-foe, Kilian, who had him his friend-turned-foe, Kilian, who had him imprisoned 20 years earlierimprisoned 20 years earlier

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Felix Paul’s Career IIFelix Paul’s Career IIThe Canadian Author Emerging The Canadian Author Emerging

It needs to be said: NOWHERE in Grove’s vast It needs to be said: NOWHERE in Grove’s vast oeuvre is there any EXPLICIT hint of Elseoeuvre is there any EXPLICIT hint of Else

There ARE, however, hidden implications There ARE, however, hidden implications galore in Grove’s early works of the 1920sgalore in Grove’s early works of the 1920s

Even in Grove’s 1st publication, a sprawling Even in Grove’s 1st publication, a sprawling article entitled “Rousseau als Erzieher” in article entitled “Rousseau als Erzieher” in Der Der NordwestenNordwesten in late 1914, the very theme in late 1914, the very theme matches Else’s report of Greve’s “Back-to-matches Else’s report of Greve’s “Back-to-Nature” ideal of 1910/11Nature” ideal of 1910/11

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Felix Paul’s Career IIIFelix Paul’s Career III“Rousseau als Erzieher”“Rousseau als Erzieher”

Formally, this essay is reminiscent of Greve’s Formally, this essay is reminiscent of Greve’s two 1903 articles on Oscar Wilde, his first two 1903 articles on Oscar Wilde, his first choice if identificationchoice if identification

Thematically, it is reminiscent of Nietzsche’s Thematically, it is reminiscent of Nietzsche’s essay “Schopenhauer als Erzieher”essay “Schopenhauer als Erzieher”

As such, the 1914 article also harks back to As such, the 1914 article also harks back to Greve’s1901 review of Nietzsche’s Greve’s1901 review of Nietzsche’s WorksWorks in the in the Münchner AllgemeineMünchner Allgemeine

Oscar WildeOscar Wilde

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Felix Paul’s Career IVFelix Paul’s Career IVImpersonal Nature EssaysImpersonal Nature Essays

Eight years later, in 1922, Grove’s first book, Eight years later, in 1922, Grove’s first book, Over Prairie TrailsOver Prairie Trails, appears; its sequel, , appears; its sequel, The The Turn of the YearTurn of the Year, is published in 1923 , is published in 1923

Both are devoid of personal revelations beyond Both are devoid of personal revelations beyond the here & nowthe here & now

Formally, these nature essays are entirely Formally, these nature essays are entirely indebted to Flaubert’s symbolic realismindebted to Flaubert’s symbolic realism

Greve had adopted it while in prison in 1903/4Greve had adopted it while in prison in 1903/4Else says: Greve liked Flaubert, so he wanted Else says: Greve liked Flaubert, so he wanted

to BE Flaubert --to BE Flaubert --That holds true for Grove as well, and to the That holds true for Grove as well, and to the

end of his lifeend of his life

FlaubertFlaubert

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Felix Paul’s Career VFelix Paul’s Career VSettlers of the MarshSettlers of the Marsh (1925 1) (1925 1)

This was Grove’s next book, and his 1st This was Grove’s next book, and his 1st novelnovel

Though set in the Manitoba pioneer Though set in the Manitoba pioneer district near Waldersee (Odense in the district near Waldersee (Odense in the novel), it is ENTIRELY devoted to Elsenovel), it is ENTIRELY devoted to Else

It can be considered a rather mean It can be considered a rather mean monument set to her memory, as we shall monument set to her memory, as we shall see see

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Felix Paul’s Career VIFelix Paul’s Career VISettlersSettlers (1925 2): Kentucky (1925 2): Kentucky

When this book was published, Else was back in When this book was published, Else was back in BerlinBerlin

Grove’s first novel can be considered a Grove’s first novel can be considered a therapeutic “coming to terms” with the rather therapeutic “coming to terms” with the rather cowardly Kentucky ending of his decade-long, cowardly Kentucky ending of his decade-long, intense & rocky relationship with Elseintense & rocky relationship with Else

Apart from some basic biographical givens -- Apart from some basic biographical givens -- such as her age (she was 38 in 1911, he was 33) -- such as her age (she was 38 in 1911, he was 33) -- he basically limits his description to their joint & he basically limits his description to their joint & otherwise poorly documented year of 1910/11 otherwise poorly documented year of 1910/11

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Felix Paul’s Career VIIFelix Paul’s Career VIISettlersSettlers (1925 3): Black & White (1925 3): Black & White

The protagonist Niels is, like FPG, 30 years old The protagonist Niels is, like FPG, 30 years old when he arrives in Canadawhen he arrives in Canada

Unlike FPG, Niels has no shady pastUnlike FPG, Niels has no shady pastBut both are tireless workersBut both are tireless workersNiels clears the land, sows & reaps, & builds a Niels clears the land, sows & reaps, & builds a

white mansion “on a bluff” near a creek white mansion “on a bluff” near a creek

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Felix Paul’s Career VIIFelix Paul’s Career VIISettlersSettlers (1925 3): A Bluff… (1925 3): A Bluff…

Who has ever driven around Waldersee Who has ever driven around Waldersee KNOWS that the landscape is as flat as a table KNOWS that the landscape is as flat as a table toptop

However, the foremost Grove-Country However, the foremost Grove-Country topographer Richard Ottenbreit, UW, has topographer Richard Ottenbreit, UW, has identified a location on the Grassy River where identified a location on the Grassy River where there IS something like a “bluff”, no matter there IS something like a “bluff”, no matter how modest how modest

Sparta, Kentucky, as the REAL, though Sparta, Kentucky, as the REAL, though unacknowledged setting of the novel, is nestled unacknowledged setting of the novel, is nestled between fairly sizeable hills between fairly sizeable hills

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Felix Paul’s Career VIIIFelix Paul’s Career VIIISettlersSettlers (1925 4): White & Black (1925 4): White & Black

A perfect mate for Niels would have been his A perfect mate for Niels would have been his neighbour’s daughter, blonde & blue-eyed neighbour’s daughter, blonde & blue-eyed EllenEllen

But the anti-heroine, Clara Vogel, Niels But the anti-heroine, Clara Vogel, Niels opposite in every way, gets to him firstopposite in every way, gets to him first

Unlike Niels, who, at age 30, is still virginal (!), Unlike Niels, who, at age 30, is still virginal (!), she is experienced, even depravedshe is experienced, even depraved

One fateful night, they kiss… as did Else & One fateful night, they kiss… as did Else & Greve at Christmas 1902Greve at Christmas 1902

Niels feels obliged to marry herNiels feels obliged to marry her

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Felix Paul’s Career IXFelix Paul’s Career IXSettlersSettlers (1925 5): A gruesome end (1925 5): A gruesome end

Needless to say, this union is headed for disaster: he Needless to say, this union is headed for disaster: he works as hard as ever, she adheres to her depraved works as hard as ever, she adheres to her depraved lifestylelifestyle

Sex seems to play no more part in their marriage -- like Sex seems to play no more part in their marriage -- like in Kentuckyin Kentucky

Clara/Else is depicted as horribly old; her pathetic Clara/Else is depicted as horribly old; her pathetic attempts to hide her age with make-up & henna are not attempts to hide her age with make-up & henna are not working working Else was 38 years old in 1911; she had started to dye her hair Else was 38 years old in 1911; she had started to dye her hair

at 27 in 1903, while Greve was in prison at 27 in 1903, while Greve was in prison More & more often, she escapes to “the city” on lame More & more often, she escapes to “the city” on lame

pretexts, such as dental appointmentspretexts, such as dental appointments Eventually, she even invites her suitors to Niels’ white Eventually, she even invites her suitors to Niels’ white

mansionmansion This is when he sees no other way out but to shoot her This is when he sees no other way out but to shoot her

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Felix Paul’s Career XFelix Paul’s Career XSettlersSettlers (1925 6): A kitschy ending (1925 6): A kitschy ending

A symbolic seven years must Niels atone for A symbolic seven years must Niels atone for this crime in Stony Mountain prisonthis crime in Stony Mountain prison

From Else’s perspective, their relationship From Else’s perspective, their relationship lasted closer to ten years, from fall 1902 to late lasted closer to ten years, from fall 1902 to late 19111911

The novel ends on a hopeful note: after his The novel ends on a hopeful note: after his release, Niels & Ellen -- now middle-aged, but release, Niels & Ellen -- now middle-aged, but still more or less virginal -- have a good talkstill more or less virginal -- have a good talk

It is implied that they will be united some fine It is implied that they will be united some fine day (soon)…day (soon)…I wouldn’t swear to it, but the two may even walk I wouldn’t swear to it, but the two may even walk

off together into the sunset, holding hands…off together into the sunset, holding hands…

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Felix Paul’s Career XaFelix Paul’s Career XaSettlersSettlers (1925 6a):7, 9, or 10 years? (1925 6a):7, 9, or 10 years?

The symbolic SEVEN years may stand for the duration The symbolic SEVEN years may stand for the duration of his involvement with Else from start to finish, 1902-of his involvement with Else from start to finish, 1902-1909, from FPG’s view-point1909, from FPG’s view-point

It is interesting, that from Else’s perspective, their It is interesting, that from Else’s perspective, their involvement lasted closer to TEN years, from 1902 involvement lasted closer to TEN years, from 1902 through 1911through 1911

Objectively speaking, their relationship spanned NINE Objectively speaking, their relationship spanned NINE years, counting from the fall of 1902, when Else dreamt years, counting from the fall of 1902, when Else dreamt of Greve while on her “womb-squeeze” excursion on the of Greve while on her “womb-squeeze” excursion on the island Föhr, until the fall of 1911, when Greve left her island Föhr, until the fall of 1911, when Greve left her in Kentuckyin Kentucky

Note that TWO of the nine years they spent apart: 1903, Note that TWO of the nine years they spent apart: 1903, when Greve was in prison, & 1909/10, when he had left when Greve was in prison, & 1909/10, when he had left Europe behind! So, FPG had a point, after all…Europe behind! So, FPG had a point, after all…

Felix Paul’s Career XIFelix Paul’s Career XISettlersSettlers (1925 7): Infrastructures (1925 7): Infrastructures

Felix Paul’s Career XIFelix Paul’s Career XISettlersSettlers (1925 7): Infrastructures (1925 7): Infrastructures

Sparta, Kentucky, lies ca. 120 km southwest from Sparta, Kentucky, lies ca. 120 km southwest from Cincinnati, OhioCincinnati, Ohio

Winnipeg, “the city”, lies ca. 120 km southeast from Winnipeg, “the city”, lies ca. 120 km southeast from Waldersee Waldersee

In 1910/11 for the 1st, and in ca. 1917/18 for the 2nd In 1910/11 for the 1st, and in ca. 1917/18 for the 2nd location, both routes were connected by rail, studded location, both routes were connected by rail, studded with train stations in small towns at about 5-mile with train stations in small towns at about 5-mile intervalsintervals

Waldersee was predominantly German-speaking -- Waldersee was predominantly German-speaking -- Winnipeg was notWinnipeg was not

Sparta was not predominantly German-speaking -- but Sparta was not predominantly German-speaking -- but Cincinnati was Cincinnati was

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Felix Paul’s Career XIIFelix Paul’s Career XIISettlersSettlers (1925 8): Main source FrL1 (1925 8): Main source FrL1

All we know about the scandalous pair’s All we know about the scandalous pair’s Sparta, Kentucky time, stems from Else’s Sparta, Kentucky time, stems from Else’s archival collection at the University of archival collection at the University of Maryland, College ParkMaryland, College Park

Many of her German poems there are Many of her German poems there are dedicated to FPG, but on only one she added dedicated to FPG, but on only one she added “Sparta, Kentucky / am Eagle Creek”“Sparta, Kentucky / am Eagle Creek”

This allowed me to pinpoint, in 1990, an This allowed me to pinpoint, in 1990, an important part (one-third, to be precise) of important part (one-third, to be precise) of Greve’s “lost” three years in the USGreve’s “lost” three years in the US

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Felix Paul’s Career XIIIFelix Paul’s Career XIIISettlersSettlers (1925 9): Main source FrL2 (1925 9): Main source FrL2

On another poem, “Wolkzug”, Else states:On another poem, “Wolkzug”, Else states: ““Das war in Palermo -- als Felix Paul Greve in Deutschland im Das war in Palermo -- als Felix Paul Greve in Deutschland im

Gefängnis war, meinet- d.h. seinetwegen! Ich holte ihn ein Gefängnis war, meinet- d.h. seinetwegen! Ich holte ihn ein Jahr später in Kölln [sic!] ab. Ein Engländer "Freund" Jahr später in Kölln [sic!] ab. Ein Engländer "Freund" (Kilian, gd) hatte ihn hineingebracht. Aus Eifersucht. Von da (Kilian, gd) hatte ihn hineingebracht. Aus Eifersucht. Von da machte er seine Übersetzercarriere. In Kentucky -- verliess er machte er seine Übersetzercarriere. In Kentucky -- verliess er mich -- in der Einöde -- schickte mir -- verborgen -- $20 von mich -- in der Einöde -- schickte mir -- verborgen -- $20 von da -- nichts. Ich konnte kein Englisch -- kannte keine Arbeit -- da -- nichts. Ich konnte kein Englisch -- kannte keine Arbeit -- war hochmütig -- wurde für verrückt gehalten. Else…”war hochmütig -- wurde für verrückt gehalten. Else…”

This note sums up better than ANY other known This note sums up better than ANY other known source the couple’s ten-year relationship, from the 1st source the couple’s ten-year relationship, from the 1st involuntary abandonment in Palermo in 1903, to the involuntary abandonment in Palermo in 1903, to the final & voluntary one in 1911final & voluntary one in 1911

“Wolkzug”“Wolkzug”

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Felix Paul’s Career XIVFelix Paul’s Career XIVSettlersSettlers (1925 10): Conclusion 1 (1925 10): Conclusion 1

If, as suggested earlier, If, as suggested earlier, SettlersSettlers can be read as a can be read as a therapeutic exercise, it can also be viewed as therapeutic exercise, it can also be viewed as wishful thinking:wishful thinking:

I believe that Greve would have LOVED to kill I believe that Greve would have LOVED to kill Else in whatever fashion possible in KentuckyElse in whatever fashion possible in Kentucky

Domestic violence was certainly in the picture Domestic violence was certainly in the picture then, as it was in Berlin around 1907/8 then, as it was in Berlin around 1907/8

Grove’s novel means to alleviate the author’s Grove’s novel means to alleviate the author’s guilty conscience, AND…guilty conscience, AND…

……to JUSTIFY Greve’s abandonment of Else in to JUSTIFY Greve’s abandonment of Else in Sparta Sparta

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Felix Paul’s Career XVFelix Paul’s Career XVSettlersSettlers (1925 11 ): Conclusion 2 (1925 11 ): Conclusion 2

HE fell prey to a depraved womanHE fell prey to a depraved womanWithout HER, he would have achieved great Without HER, he would have achieved great

things…things…He HAD to free himself from her clutches to He HAD to free himself from her clutches to

fulfill his writer’s vocation… etc.fulfill his writer’s vocation… etc.

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Felix Paul’s Career XVIFelix Paul’s Career XVISettlersSettlers (1925 12 ): Conclusion 3 (1925 12 ): Conclusion 3

In the overly-saintly stance of the protagonist lies the In the overly-saintly stance of the protagonist lies the novel’s greatest weakness:novel’s greatest weakness:

There is NO PLAUSIBLE REASON why Niels should There is NO PLAUSIBLE REASON why Niels should have felt OBLIGED, after ONE fleeting encounter, to have felt OBLIGED, after ONE fleeting encounter, to marry bad Claramarry bad Clara

Like Greve in Kentucky, Niels has no use for sex, so, Like Greve in Kentucky, Niels has no use for sex, so, even THAT cannot be construed as a valid even THAT cannot be construed as a valid motivation…motivation…

It is even harder to believe that worldly Clara would It is even harder to believe that worldly Clara would have accepted his proposal, & gone into voluntarily have accepted his proposal, & gone into voluntarily rural exilerural exile

In any case, in REAL life, Greve was a willing In any case, in REAL life, Greve was a willing participant in Else’s seduction of Christmas 1902! participant in Else’s seduction of Christmas 1902!

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Felix Paul’s Career XVIIFelix Paul’s Career XVIIAA Search for AmericaSearch for America (1927 1) (1927 1)

This openly autobiographical novel is a master-This openly autobiographical novel is a master-piece of narration:piece of narration:It blends Dichtung & Wahrheit à la Goethe, though It blends Dichtung & Wahrheit à la Goethe, though

with perhaps a different proportion of Fiction with perhaps a different proportion of Fiction versus Factversus Fact

It skillfully draws on all sorts of genres, from the It skillfully draws on all sorts of genres, from the picaresque- & the adventure novel, to the picaresque- & the adventure novel, to the Bildungsroman, and satirical stories like Bildungsroman, and satirical stories like Grimmelshausen’s Simplicissimus & Voltaire’s Grimmelshausen’s Simplicissimus & Voltaire’s CandideCandide

There is not a trace of Else in its nearly 400 There is not a trace of Else in its nearly 400 pages, but this very absence is a telling one…pages, but this very absence is a telling one…

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Felix Paul’s Career XVIIIFelix Paul’s Career XVIIIAA Search for AmericaSearch for America (1927 2) (1927 2)

It is Grove’s fourth bookIt is Grove’s fourth bookElse is by now in Paris, and even IF Else is by now in Paris, and even IF SettlersSettlers & &

The SearchThe Search had been instant bestsellers, had been instant bestsellers, spreading like wild-fire all over the world, she spreading like wild-fire all over the world, she wouldn’t have had a chance to read them, wouldn’t have had a chance to read them, never mind recognizing herself in the former, never mind recognizing herself in the former, nor Greve in the latter:nor Greve in the latter:In Berlin, she was destitute, selling newspapers in In Berlin, she was destitute, selling newspapers in

the streets, & checking in & out of charitable or the streets, & checking in & out of charitable or mental institutionsmental institutions

In Paris, at least her frame-of-mind was better for a In Paris, at least her frame-of-mind was better for a while, but after not even 18 months, she committed while, but after not even 18 months, she committed suicide there in mid-December 1927 suicide there in mid-December 1927

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Felix Paul’s Career XIXFelix Paul’s Career XIXAA Search for AmericaSearch for America (1927 3) (1927 3)

Grove’s zeal to reveal the more glorious aspects of his Grove’s zeal to reveal the more glorious aspects of his past lends his narrative a confessional touch, though he past lends his narrative a confessional touch, though he understandably omits the least savory onesunderstandably omits the least savory ones

Apart from his cosmopolitan upbringing in an affluent Apart from his cosmopolitan upbringing in an affluent Anglo-Swedish family, he addresses his American Anglo-Swedish family, he addresses his American adventures:adventures: His brief tenure at a Toronto “eatery” that resembles Dante’s His brief tenure at a Toronto “eatery” that resembles Dante’s

InfernoInferno His fateful encounter with two counterfeiters in New YorkHis fateful encounter with two counterfeiters in New York His first job there, selling encyclopedias His first job there, selling encyclopedias His -- of course, innocent! -- participation in a major book His -- of course, innocent! -- participation in a major book

scamscam His experience in a furniture factoryHis experience in a furniture factory His tramp- & hobo days while moving westHis tramp- & hobo days while moving west His tenure at a Bonanza farm “in the Dakotas”His tenure at a Bonanza farm “in the Dakotas” And finally, his moving north to WinnipegAnd finally, his moving north to Winnipeg

Lining Paper Map, ASA 2nd ed.Lining Paper Map, ASA 2nd ed.

The Bonanza Farm (near Fargo)The Bonanza Farm (near Fargo)

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Felix Paul’s Career XXFelix Paul’s Career XXAA Search for AmericaSearch for America (1927 4) (1927 4)

Of the three years Greve dwelled in the States, Of the three years Greve dwelled in the States, from his disappearance in 1909, to his from his disappearance in 1909, to his emergence as Grove in Manitoba in 1912, only emergence as Grove in Manitoba in 1912, only one-and-a-half years are covered in the bookone-and-a-half years are covered in the book

All the New York based adventures happened All the New York based adventures happened BEFORE Else followed himBEFORE Else followed him

The west-ward migration took place AFTER he The west-ward migration took place AFTER he left herleft her

OMITTED is the time he spent in Pittsburgh OMITTED is the time he spent in Pittsburgh before her arrival, and the year they spent before her arrival, and the year they spent together in Sparta, Kentuckytogether in Sparta, Kentucky

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Felix Paul’s Career XXIFelix Paul’s Career XXIAA Search for AmericaSearch for America (1927 5) (1927 5)

This means that Grove gave the “Else-in-This means that Grove gave the “Else-in-America” complex VERY SPECIAL treatment America” complex VERY SPECIAL treatment in his previous bookin his previous book

Its importance is thus NOT negated by its Its importance is thus NOT negated by its omission from ASA, but rather, paradoxically, omission from ASA, but rather, paradoxically, enhanced, & given elevated status!enhanced, & given elevated status!

The fact that Grove composed The fact that Grove composed SettlersSettlers before before the the Search for AmericaSearch for America illustrates that its story illustrates that its story took rather urgent precedence over all the took rather urgent precedence over all the other episodesother episodes

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Felix Paul’s Career XXIIFelix Paul’s Career XXIIJane Jane AtkinsonAtkinson (ca. 1920 1) (ca. 1920 1)

In many ways, In many ways, Jane AtkinsonJane Atkinson is a counter-piece is a counter-piece to to SettlersSettlers

This novel is also loaded with references to This novel is also loaded with references to FPG's past, this time, to his Munich days in FPG's past, this time, to his Munich days in 1901/2…1901/2…

……AND, enigmatically, to the highly interesting AND, enigmatically, to the highly interesting “Fanny Essler” complex of 1904/5“Fanny Essler” complex of 1904/5

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Felix Paul’s Career XXIIIFelix Paul’s Career XXIIIJane Jane AtkinsonAtkinson (ca. 1920 2) (ca. 1920 2)

If it weren’t for these redeeming features, the If it weren’t for these redeeming features, the novel would be devoid of interest, in my novel would be devoid of interest, in my opinionopinion

Before it was e-published in 2000, there was Before it was e-published in 2000, there was only an ungainly typescript of 284 leaves of only an ungainly typescript of 284 leaves of poor & thin "onion-skin" paperpoor & thin "onion-skin" paper

Here, as an example, is the Title-PageHere, as an example, is the Title-Page

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Grove's Grove's Jane AtkinsonJane Atkinson::The Title-PageThe Title-Page

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Felix Paul’s Career XXIVFelix Paul’s Career XXIVJane Jane AtkinsonAtkinson (ca. 1920 3) (ca. 1920 3)

TheThe novel is set in “Stockton” -- that is, novel is set in “Stockton” -- that is, Brandon, ManibobaBrandon, Maniboba

The time is roughly contemporary to Grove's The time is roughly contemporary to Grove's tenure in Rapid City from 1922-1929tenure in Rapid City from 1922-1929

As in Settlers, we have here stark, black & As in Settlers, we have here stark, black & white character contrasts:white character contrasts:The heroine, Jane, though dark-haired, is ALL The heroine, Jane, though dark-haired, is ALL

GOOD… So is her neighbour, ArthurGOOD… So is her neighbour, ArthurThat is the casting of Niels & Ellen in reverseThat is the casting of Niels & Ellen in reverseHer husband Jim, Arthur's brother, is ALL BAD -- Her husband Jim, Arthur's brother, is ALL BAD --

much like Clara Vogelmuch like Clara VogelNot much is going on over a couple of decades.Not much is going on over a couple of decades.

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Felix Paul’s Career XXVFelix Paul’s Career XXVJane Jane AtkinsonAtkinson (ca. 1920 4) (ca. 1920 4)

Even the implied triangle between Jane & the two Even the implied triangle between Jane & the two brothers fails to keep the reader's attention brothers fails to keep the reader's attention

In the end, for no discernable reason whatsoever, In the end, for no discernable reason whatsoever, “bad” Jim undergoes a profound transformation into “bad” Jim undergoes a profound transformation into “good” Jim“good” Jim

Gripped by unexplained remorse, Jim drives his car Gripped by unexplained remorse, Jim drives his car over a cliffover a cliff

Jane, by some unlikely coincidence in the vicinity, Jane, by some unlikely coincidence in the vicinity, rushes down to his side & asks him to forgive HER for rushes down to his side & asks him to forgive HER for having "been harsh" with him…having "been harsh" with him…

Then, concluding this drama & the book, comes the Then, concluding this drama & the book, comes the following punch-line. It reads: "In death he had his last following punch-line. It reads: "In death he had his last great wish. Her hands were touching his brow."great wish. Her hands were touching his brow."

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Felix Paul’s Career XXVIFelix Paul’s Career XXVIJane Jane AtkinsonAtkinson (ca. 1920 5) (ca. 1920 5)

There is a word for this kind of literature, & it There is a word for this kind of literature, & it is “Kitsch”is “Kitsch”

The ending of The ending of Settlers,Settlers, & most of & most of Jane Jane Atkinson,Atkinson, fits in perfectly with what has been fits in perfectly with what has been recognized as a genre flourishing around 1900recognized as a genre flourishing around 1900

Respectable authors like Hermann Hesse Respectable authors like Hermann Hesse indulged in it, as did less eminent ones like Karl indulged in it, as did less eminent ones like Karl May; as a genre, Kitsch is akin to Harlequin- & May; as a genre, Kitsch is akin to Harlequin- & Dime-novelsDime-novels

These were often serialized for mass-These were often serialized for mass-consumption -- something Grove considered consumption -- something Grove considered doing on more than one occasion doing on more than one occasion

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Felix Paul’s Career XXVIIFelix Paul’s Career XXVIIJane Jane AtkinsonAtkinson (ca. 1920 6): Link 1 (ca. 1920 6): Link 1

Here now THREE major links between FPG's dual-Here now THREE major links between FPG's dual-track lives:track lives:Grove considered using the pseudonym ”Andrew Grove considered using the pseudonym ”Andrew

R. Rutherford” for this novel -- this person was a R. Rutherford” for this novel -- this person was a renowned Scottish Judge, & Kilian’s maternal renowned Scottish Judge, & Kilian’s maternal grandfathergrandfather

His daughter’s name, & later Kilian’s daughter’s His daughter’s name, & later Kilian’s daughter’s name as well, was Jane.name as well, was Jane.

By laying claim to having blood-relations with By laying claim to having blood-relations with these good people, Grove appropriated Kilian’s these good people, Grove appropriated Kilian’s family background for himself.family background for himself.

He used this fabricated lineage for ALL He used this fabricated lineage for ALL biographical information about himself, including biographical information about himself, including his two autobiographies of 1927 (ASA, his two autobiographies of 1927 (ASA, e-©2001e-©2001) & ) & In In Search of Myself,Search of Myself, 1946 1946

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Felix Paul’s Career XXVIIIFelix Paul’s Career XXVIIIJane Jane AtkinsonAtkinson (ca. 1920 7): Link 2 (ca. 1920 7): Link 2

In guise of a rich Jewish banker from Montreal, we In guise of a rich Jewish banker from Montreal, we recognize Karl Wolfskehl, the “Zeus of Schwabing”, recognize Karl Wolfskehl, the “Zeus of Schwabing”, whose hospitality both Else, with Endell, & Greve had whose hospitality both Else, with Endell, & Greve had enjoyedenjoyed

Here is how Jane describes him to a friend: "… like Here is how Jane describes him to a friend: "… like Michelangelo's Moses”Michelangelo's Moses”

Wolfskehl, who paraded as Dionysos or Baal in Wolfskehl, who paraded as Dionysos or Baal in carnival processions, sported indeed an uncanny carnival processions, sported indeed an uncanny resemblance with Michelangelo’s famous statue of resemblance with Michelangelo’s famous statue of 1511, especially, in half-profile1511, especially, in half-profile

Greve, as a student of archaeology and Classics in Greve, as a student of archaeology and Classics in Bonn between 1898 & 1900, had taken a course on the Bonn between 1898 & 1900, had taken a course on the Renaissance artist -- with another course on Byron, & a Renaissance artist -- with another course on Byron, & a third on oceanography, these were no doubt refreshing third on oceanography, these were no doubt refreshing departures from an otherwise bland menudepartures from an otherwise bland menu

Karl WolfskehlKarl Wolfskehl

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Felix Paul’s Career XXIXFelix Paul’s Career XXIXJane Jane AtkinsonAtkinson (ca. 1920 8): Link 3 (ca. 1920 8): Link 3

Last, not least, here now the rather perplexing link to Last, not least, here now the rather perplexing link to the 1904/5 Fanny Essler complex:the 1904/5 Fanny Essler complex:

Some thirty pages into the text, we find a self-quote Some thirty pages into the text, we find a self-quote from Greve's 1905 novel, from Greve's 1905 novel, Fanny Essler,Fanny Essler, about Else’s life about Else’s life in Berlin, in the 1890sin Berlin, in the 1890s This cameo scene concerns a detailed account of This cameo scene concerns a detailed account of

Fanny’s/Jane's "maiden aunt" who has, in her thin grey hair, Fanny’s/Jane's "maiden aunt" who has, in her thin grey hair, a grotesque array of tortoise-shell combsa grotesque array of tortoise-shell combs

These are remnants from a shop she owned on a major These are remnants from a shop she owned on a major shopping street in Berlin / Toronto, namely, Friedrichstrasse / shopping street in Berlin / Toronto, namely, Friedrichstrasse / Yonge Street…Yonge Street…

The significance of this scene is still a mystery. For some The significance of this scene is still a mystery. For some reason, I think that it might be related to Thomas Mann's reason, I think that it might be related to Thomas Mann's BuddenbrooksBuddenbrooks -- Mann became famous with this family -- Mann became famous with this family chronic in 1901. Greve briefly shared an address with Mann at chronic in 1901. Greve briefly shared an address with Mann at the Pension Gisela in Munich in 1902, & we have two 1939 the Pension Gisela in Munich in 1902, & we have two 1939 letters by Mann to Grove in the UM Archivesletters by Mann to Grove in the UM Archives

Thomas MannThomas Mann

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Felix Paul’s Career XXXFelix Paul’s Career XXXThe Fanny Essler Complex,The Fanny Essler Complex, 1904/51904/5

One of the most astounding collaborations ever must be Greve & One of the most astounding collaborations ever must be Greve & Else’s co-production of seven poems BY a certain Fanny Essler, & Else’s co-production of seven poems BY a certain Fanny Essler, & a novel ABOUT Else/Fanny Essler, with the TITLE a novel ABOUT Else/Fanny Essler, with the TITLE Fanny EsslerFanny Essler

Thanks to Claude Martin’s masterly edition of Gide’s Thanks to Claude Martin’s masterly edition of Gide’s “Conversation avec un Allemand” in the October 1974 issue of the “Conversation avec un Allemand” in the October 1974 issue of the Bulletin des amis d’André GideBulletin des amis d’André Gide, Greve’s wild plans for this , Greve’s wild plans for this complex can be followed -- here is what he had to say in a letter to complex can be followed -- here is what he had to say in a letter to Gide, dated October 17, 1904Gide, dated October 17, 1904 "Il me faut travailler d'une façon bien singulière. Je "Il me faut travailler d'une façon bien singulière. Je

ne suis plus ne suis plus uneune personne, j'en personne, j'en sommes troissommes trois: je suis : je suis 1. M. Felix Paul Greve; 2. Mme Else Greve; 3. Mme 1. M. Felix Paul Greve; 2. Mme Else Greve; 3. Mme Fanny Essler. La dernière dont je vous enverrai Fanny Essler. La dernière dont je vous enverrai prochainement les poèmes, et prochainement les poèmes, et dont les poèmesdont les poèmes -- -- encore un secret -- encore un secret -- sont adressés à moisont adressés à moi, est , est un un poètepoète déjà assez déjà assez considéréconsidéré dans certaines parties dans certaines parties de l'Allemagne" (40).de l'Allemagne" (40).

Note the interesting use of the masculine gender in Note the interesting use of the masculine gender in referring to Fanny Essler as "referring to Fanny Essler as "unun poète (!) déjà assez poète (!) déjà assez considerconsideréé (!)", and the narcissistic element in the fact that (!)", and the narcissistic element in the fact that Greve himself is the subject of his/her poems.Greve himself is the subject of his/her poems.

André GideAndré Gide

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Felix Paul’s Career XXXIFelix Paul’s Career XXXI The Fanny Essler Complex,The Fanny Essler Complex, 1904/51904/5

He goes on to explain plans for Fanny Essler’s prose:He goes on to explain plans for Fanny Essler’s prose: Mme Fanny Essler has written two autobiographical novels in Mme Fanny Essler has written two autobiographical novels in

"Bonn sur Rhin" where Greve had been imprisoned -- note "Bonn sur Rhin" where Greve had been imprisoned -- note again the gender confusion! again the gender confusion!

As her mentor, he is simply preparing them for publicationAs her mentor, he is simply preparing them for publication He furthermore toys with the idea of having one of them He furthermore toys with the idea of having one of them

published as an anonymous autobiography entitled … Fanny published as an anonymous autobiography entitled … Fanny Essler!Essler! "Jusqu'à présent elle n'a publié que des vers. Mais moi, F. P. "Jusqu'à présent elle n'a publié que des vers. Mais moi, F. P.

Greve, son patron et introducteur, prépare la publication de deux Greve, son patron et introducteur, prépare la publication de deux romans qu'elle a écrits dans la prison de Bonn sur Rhin... romans qu'elle a écrits dans la prison de Bonn sur Rhin... Personne ne se doute de cet état des choses...L'un des romans de Personne ne se doute de cet état des choses...L'un des romans de Mme Essler, qui paraîtra sans nom d'auteur et que M. l'éditeur Mme Essler, qui paraîtra sans nom d'auteur et que M. l'éditeur croit une autobiographie, aura pour titre: Fanny Essler.”croit une autobiographie, aura pour titre: Fanny Essler.”

• However, when the book came out in 1905, the title was still in However, when the book came out in 1905, the title was still in place, but Greve's name was sitting squarely in the author's place, but Greve's name was sitting squarely in the author's position: position: Fanny EßlerFanny Eßler: : ein Romanein Roman von Felix Paul Greve von Felix Paul Greve

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Felix Paul’s Career XXXIIFelix Paul’s Career XXXII The Fanny Essler Complex,The Fanny Essler Complex, 1904/51904/5

About 20 years later, Else has this to say:About 20 years later, Else has this to say:"Felix had written two novels. They were dictated "Felix had written two novels. They were dictated

by me as far as material was concerned; it was my by me as far as material was concerned; it was my life and persons out of my life. He did the executive life and persons out of my life. He did the executive part of the business, giving the thing the part of the business, giving the thing the conventional shape and dress... They must be fearful conventional shape and dress... They must be fearful books as far as art is concerned." (Ab 35).books as far as art is concerned." (Ab 35).

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Felix Paul’s Career XXXIIIFelix Paul’s Career XXXIII The Fanny Essler Complex,The Fanny Essler Complex, 1904/51904/5

Else describes here a clear-cut division of labour along Else describes here a clear-cut division of labour along form / content lines: SHE provided Greve with the raw form / content lines: SHE provided Greve with the raw material of her rich, biographical experience in material of her rich, biographical experience in perhaps imperfect form, HE applied his remarkable perhaps imperfect form, HE applied his remarkable forming and marketing talents. forming and marketing talents.

For the novel, Else received no credit for her For the novel, Else received no credit for her contribution whatsoever. For the poems, she was at contribution whatsoever. For the poems, she was at least indirectly acknowledged by the joint “Fanny least indirectly acknowledged by the joint “Fanny Essler” pseudonymEssler” pseudonym

Never again was FPG to create anything of the inspired Never again was FPG to create anything of the inspired quality that distinguished the seven Fanny Essler quality that distinguished the seven Fanny Essler poemspoems

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Felix Paul’s Career XXXIVFelix Paul’s Career XXXIV Fanny Essler Complex: ConclusionFanny Essler Complex: Conclusion

FPG was a great craftsman & imitator -- in a FPG was a great craftsman & imitator -- in a way, he always remained a translator at heartway, he always remained a translator at heart

He sadly was lacking the genius he believed he He sadly was lacking the genius he believed he had. Following the Stefan George Mache for his had. Following the Stefan George Mache for his poems, & Flaubert’s symbolic realism for his poems, & Flaubert’s symbolic realism for his prose without variation, he was trapped in prose without variation, he was trapped in traditional patterns that have little appeal traditional patterns that have little appeal todaytoday

Else, on the other hand, embraced avant-garde Else, on the other hand, embraced avant-garde currents like expressionism & dadaism with an currents like expressionism & dadaism with an open mind, and has rightfully earned her place open mind, and has rightfully earned her place among some of the leading artists of the 20th among some of the leading artists of the 20th centurycentury