Stefania and Adèle’s Entanglement

Felix Austria

This flow traces the closeness, rivalry, and mutual dependence that make Stefania and Adèle’s relationship both sustaining and destructive.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Growing Up Together Growing Up Together from "Felix Austria". Shared Childhood Survivors together Rescued from the same fire, Stefania and Adèle grow up in Docteur Anger’s household.

Growing Up Together from "Felix Austria". Shared Childhood Survivors together Rescued from the same fire, Stefania and Adèle grow up in Docteur Anger’s household.

Shared Childhood Survivors together Rescued from the same fire, Stefania and Adèle grow up in Docteur Anger’s household. Stefania remembers Adèle’s face as a constant presence while caregivers come and go. A bond without a name Stefania cannot decide whether their connection is sisterly, maternal, or something else. The absence of a clear name allows love and dependence to grow together.

The Honeymoon Triangle The Honeymoon Triangle from "Felix Austria". Intimacy Under Strain Stefania comes along Adèle insists that Stefania accompany the newlyweds on their trip.

The Honeymoon Triangle from "Felix Austria". Intimacy Under Strain Stefania comes along Adèle insists that Stefania accompany the newlyweds on their trip.

Intimacy Under Strain Stefania comes along Adèle insists that Stefania accompany the newlyweds on their trip. Stefania tends to Adèle’s meals and clothes, while Petro resents her continuing presence. A new arrangement Adèle’s descriptions of marital intimacy sharpen Stefania’s jealousy, yet Stefania remains essential to the couple’s daily life. The three-person household forms around an unresolved contest for closeness.

The Chamber-Pot Rupture The Chamber-Pot Rupture from "Felix Austria". Anger and Reconciliation A servant’s protest Adèle’s reproaches and Stefania’s accumulated resentment culminate in the thrown chamber pots.

The Chamber-Pot Rupture from "Felix Austria". Anger and Reconciliation A servant’s protest Adèle’s reproaches and Stefania’s accumulated resentment culminate in the thrown chamber pots.

Anger and Reconciliation A servant’s protest Adèle’s reproaches and Stefania’s accumulated resentment culminate in the thrown chamber pots. Stefania describes the work she performs and imagines leaving or harming herself. The familiar embrace When Adèle appears afraid, Stefania’s hatred collapses into protectiveness. Their reconciliation is real but does not resolve the unequal household structure that caused the outburst.

Felix Becomes Their Child Felix Becomes Their Child from "Felix Austria". A New Focus of Care Different forms of attachment Adèle tries to win Felix with gifts and tenderness, but the boy resists her.

Felix Becomes Their Child from "Felix Austria". A New Focus of Care Different forms of attachment Adèle tries to win Felix with gifts and tenderness, but the boy resists her.

A New Focus of Care Different forms of attachment Adèle tries to win Felix with gifts and tenderness, but the boy resists her. Stefania learns his habits through feeding, washing, and searching for him, while Petro gradually finds a shared language through work. The household shifts Felix does not simply unite the adults; his resistance exposes their differences. Still, his presence gives the household a new object of care beyond the rivalry between Stefania and Adèle.

A Relationship Reconsidered A Relationship Reconsidered from "Felix Austria". A Confession of Mutual Fear Adèle speaks plainly Adèle admits that she has been jealous of Docteur Anger’s affection for Stefania.

A Relationship Reconsidered from "Felix Austria". A Confession of Mutual Fear Adèle speaks plainly Adèle admits that she has been jealous of Docteur Anger’s affection for Stefania.

A Confession of Mutual Fear Adèle speaks plainly Adèle admits that she has been jealous of Docteur Anger’s affection for Stefania. She also questions why she fears hurting Stefania if their roles are only mistress and servant. A fragile recognition The two women recognize that their relationship has exceeded the categories they use to contain it. Adèle’s words open a possibility of change, but the fire and the uncertain ending prevent a settled resolution.

After the 1868 fire

After Adèle and Petro’s wedding

June 1900, before the dinner for Father Josef

Summer and autumn 1900

Near the ending, after the birthday gathering