Abstract
A review of the critical literature on Erica Jong's 1973 novel, Fear of Flying, suggests a lack of consideration of Isadora Wing's uses of deception both within, and by way of, the text. The aim of this paper is to make up for that perceived lack, by taking a detailed look at how Isadora presents herself to various audiences. In the process, the author brings Jean Baudrillard's concept of "seduction" to bear on Fear of Flying, while also making illustrative use of Eliza Haywood's eighteenth-century novella, Fantomina: or, Love in a Maze. The author aims to demonstrate Isadora's use of Baudrillardian "seduction," and how she mirrors Baudrillard's "seductress" and Eliza Haywood's Fantomina in her wish to present a deceptive self-image both within, and by way of, the text. The end of the paper will briefly discuss the implications of Isadora's deception, and how it connects with broader themes present within Fear of Flying.