Edith Wharton

Definition

Edith Wharton was an influential American novelist and short story writer, known for her keen observations of the upper class and her critiques of social norms in late 19th and early 20th century America. Her works often reflect the complexities of social class, gender roles, and moral dilemmas, providing a rich context for understanding the historical and cultural dynamics of literature in the Americas during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Edith Wharton was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921 for her novel 'The Age of Innocence'.
2. She was born into a wealthy New York family in 1862, giving her firsthand insight into the lives of the upper class, which heavily influenced her writing.
3. Wharton's works often explore themes of isolation, desire, and societal expectations, showcasing the conflicts faced by individuals within rigid social structures.
4. She wrote both novels and short stories, with notable works including 'The House of Mirth', 'The Custom of the Country', and 'Ethan Frome'.
5. Wharton was also a prominent architectural critic and helped to introduce European architectural styles to American audiences through her writings.

Review Questions

• How did Edith Wharton's background influence her literary themes and character development?
  • Edith Wharton's privileged upbringing in a wealthy New York family deeply influenced her writing. Her experiences allowed her to observe the intricacies of high society, leading her to create complex characters who grappled with societal expectations and personal desires. This perspective is evident in her exploration of themes such as class conflict and moral dilemmas in works like 'The House of Mirth', where characters face harsh judgments based on social standing.
• Discuss the impact of the Gilded Age on Wharton's work and how she portrayed its social dynamics.
  • The Gilded Age had a profound impact on Wharton's writing as it represented a time of significant wealth disparity and rapid change in American society. In her novels, she scrutinized the lives of the wealthy elite, showcasing their struggles with societal norms while also highlighting the darker aspects of their existence. Through this lens, Wharton critiqued materialism and moral hypocrisy, using her characters' experiences to reflect broader social issues during this transformative era.
• Evaluate how Edith Wharton's contributions to literature reflect broader historical changes in America from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.
  • Edith Wharton's contributions to literature mirror the significant societal shifts occurring in America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As traditional social structures were challenged by modernity, industrialization, and women's rights movements, her writings captured the tension between old values and new realities. Her focus on female characters navigating these changes highlighted issues related to gender roles and class distinctions. By addressing these themes through realistic portrayals of her characters' lives, Wharton not only enriched American literature but also provided a critical commentary on the evolving cultural landscape of her time.

Related terms

Realism: A literary movement that sought to depict everyday life and society as it was, focusing on ordinary characters and plausible events.

Gilded Age: The period in American history from the 1870s to about 1900 characterized by rapid economic growth, industrialization, and a stark contrast between wealth and poverty.

Social Critique: The practice of analyzing and critiquing societal norms, institutions, and practices, often highlighting issues related to class, gender, and morality.