Nightwood

by

Djuna Barnes

Frau Mann / Duchess of Broadback Character Analysis

Frau Mann is one of Felix Volkbein’s friends from the circus. Frau Mann is a trapeze artist and goes by the false title Duchess of Broadback. Frau Mann brings Felix to a party where he meets Dr. Matthew O’Connor and Nora Flood. After the party, Frau Mann disappears from the story until after Robin Vote leaves Felix. Frau Mann accompanies Felix and his son Guido on their travels through Europe. Both Frau Mann and Felix develop a drinking problem by the end of the story.
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Frau Mann / Duchess of Broadback Character Timeline in Nightwood

The timeline below shows where the character Frau Mann / Duchess of Broadback appears in Nightwood. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Bow Down
Identity Theme Icon
Otherness and the Search for Acceptance Theme Icon
...really know the people in it—he can only wonder at and admire them. Through the Duchess of Broadback (a trapeze artist whose real name is Frau Mann), Felix gets his first... (full context)
Identity Theme Icon
Otherness and the Search for Acceptance Theme Icon
When Felix and the Duchess arrive at the Count’s house their host isn’t there, but a middle-aged man named Dr.... (full context)
Identity Theme Icon
Otherness and the Search for Acceptance Theme Icon
As Felix, Matthew, and the Duchess leave, Felix asks what the party meant. The Duchess explains that Felix has just had... (full context)
Where the Tree Falls
Identity Theme Icon
Obsession and Despair Theme Icon
Otherness and the Search for Acceptance Theme Icon
Felix, his son, and Frau Mann arrive in Vienna together a short time later. Felix drinks heavily and has grown a... (full context)