“A femme fatale, translating to “Deadly Woman” in french, is an alluring, seductive woman whose charms ensnare her lovers in bonds of irresistible desire. Often this leads them into compromising, dangerous and deadly situations.” ~ Wikipeda
What villainous ladies have you read of in literature? Now’s the time to give them a shout out. Because let’s face it, we all love to route for the bad girl. Expression of this could be in any form, hate or love mail, fan fic, quotes or a simple profile. Just be sure to tell us where your femme fatale comes from so we can check them out too!
Briony Tallis saw something she shouldn’t. Briony likes to tell stories. She also likes to tell tall tales.
Her conniving ways begin upon seeing her sister in a fountain, soaked to the skin in nothing but her undergarments. Supposedly only seen by the estate’s gardener Robbie Turner.
Later, Robbie writes two letters to Cecilia
Letter #1
“You’d be forgiven for thinking me mad – wandering into your house barefoot, or snapping your antique vase. The truth is, I feel rather light-headed and foolish in your presence, Cee, and I don’t think I can blame the heat. Will you forgive me? Robbie
Letter #2
“In my dreams, I kiss your cunt, your sweet wet cunt. In my thoughts I make love to you all day long.”
Unfortunately, the second is mistakenly hand-delivered by Briony, who also reads it before the intended, causing disturbing fantasies which are vindicated after catching them in a compromising position. To complete this hellish night she points the finger at Robbie, wrongly accusing him of her cousin’s rape.
While this one summer day defines her forever, the only thing that sets her apart from other fatales is that she eventually realizes her wrong doings and spends the rest of life in shame trying to atone for them.
Oh, yes — very sad story, and quite honestly, I'm not sure if anything can really right that wrong, you know?
No, I couldn't see any redemption from or for either parties.
Perfect choice for a femme fatale. Briony caused a lot of damage and although she repents, nothing can undo the things her false perception/lie caused.
Thank you, and unlike most femme fatales you see Briony grow as a person. Very interesting.
Great Pick (still thinking about mine)
I think the fact that Briony grows/changes actually lends to how much of a femme fatale she really was and she knows it!
Love this choice for femme fatale. I really ended up feeling horrible for Briony as well as everyone else involved. I just can't imagine leaving with that on your conscience. Sure, it was a mistake made by a little girl but adult Briony lives with the knowledge of the consequences for the rest of her life. Just so sad all the way around.
Felicia– I'm looking forward to your femme fatale this week. Absolutely, Briony drastically grows, like an adolescent teenager. By the end she can walk the walk.
Reading Rachel–Briony is an emotional roller coaster. One minute you loath her (what a little bitch) but by the end I felt a deep compassion for her, and hope against hope that she finds redemption.
Unusual choice. I have no idea at all about this character but does she reform in the end?