Popularity can be subjective, but generally 'The Age of Innocence' is a front - runner. It has been adapted into a movie, which has increased its visibility. 'Ethan Frome' is also very popular, especially for those interested in Wharton's more tragic works. 'The House of Mirth' follows closely in terms of popularity, with its in - depth look at New York society. 'The Custom of the Country' also has a dedicated readership, while other works like 'Madame de Treymes' and 'Summer' are also highly regarded by Wharton fans.
It's a bit hard to rank them strictly in order of popularity as it can vary over time. But 'The Age of Innocence' is often considered one of her most popular. It won the Pulitzer Prize, which gives it a high profile. 'Ethan Frome' is also very well - known. Then there's 'The House of Mirth', which was widely read when it was first published and still has a large following today. 'The Custom of the Country' is also quite popular among Wharton enthusiasts.
Some of Edith Wharton's best novels include 'The Age of Innocence'. It beautifully portrays the upper - class New York society in the 19th century, exploring themes of love, social expectations, and the constraints of a rigid class system. Another great one is 'Ethan Frome', which is a rather tragic tale set in a rural New England environment, delving into themes of unfulfilled desires and the harshness of life.
Sure. 'The Age of Innocence' is a very famous one. It's set in New York high society and shows how social norms can control people's lives. 'Ethan Frome' is also well - known. It has a very dark and sad tone. And 'House of Mirth' is a great novel too, which focuses on the life of a young woman in society.
One of the best is 'The Age of Innocence'. It beautifully depicts the upper - class society in New York. The story of Newland Archer, his love for Ellen Olenska and the social constraints they face is both poignant and thought - provoking.
One characteristic is the use of detailed settings. For example, in 'Afterward', the description of the house and its surroundings adds to the spooky mood.
'The Custom of the Country' is also considered one of her best. It follows the life of Undine Spragg, a social climber. Wharton uses this character to critique the shallowness of the upper class and the cut - throat nature of society.
Another interesting one is 'The Lady's Maid's Bell'. It creates a spooky atmosphere with its elements of the supernatural and the unknown. The story builds tension through the experiences of the maid who starts to notice strange happenings in the house.
I think 'Ethan Frome' could be considered one of her best. It's a short but powerful novel that tells a tragic story of a man trapped in a loveless marriage in a harsh rural setting. Wharton's use of the New England winter landscape as a backdrop adds to the sense of desolation and the characters' hopelessness. It shows her ability to create a deeply affecting narrative with relatively few words.
Some might argue that 'The House of Mirth' is her best work. This novel is a scathing critique of the upper - class society. It follows the life of Lily Bart as she navigates the social world filled with gossip, manipulation, and the struggle to maintain her status. Wharton's writing in this book is sharp and incisive, making it a remarkable piece of literature.
It's a bit hard to rank them strictly in order of popularity as it can vary over time and across different regions. But generally, 'Crime and Punishment' is extremely popular worldwide. It has been widely read and studied for its exploration of guilt and redemption.
Next would probably be 'A Farewell to Arms'. It has been widely read and studied for its exploration of war and love. People are drawn to the doomed love story between the two main characters.