One of the best Wharton novels is 'The Age of Innocence'. It beautifully depicts the upper - class society in New York during the Gilded Age, exploring themes of love, social expectations, and the constraints of propriety.
'Ethan Frome' is also a great Wharton novel. It's a rather tragic story set in a rural New England environment. The characters are complex and the wintry setting adds to the overall sense of gloom and the inescapability of the characters' fates.
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.
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 Custom of the Country' is an excellent Wharton novel. It follows the ambitious Undine Spragg as she tries to climb the social ladder in different settings. Wharton's sharp observations of the society and the characters' complex relationships make it a great read.
The best Edith Wharton ghost story could be 'Kerfol'. It has a unique take on a ghost story as it involves a large number of spectral dogs. The historical context and the way the main character experiences the strange events related to these ghostly dogs make it stand out. The description of the setting and the emotions of the characters are very well - written, creating a haunting and memorable story.
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.
Many consider 'The Age of Innocence' to be one of her best novels. It beautifully portrays the upper - class society in New York during the Gilded Age. The story is filled with complex characters, such as Newland Archer, who is caught between his love for Ellen Olenska and the rigid social norms of his class. Wharton's detailed descriptions of the social mores and the inner turmoil of the characters make this novel a classic.
'Xingu' is yet another remarkable Wharton short story. It's a satirical piece that pokes fun at the pretentiousness of a certain social clique. The women in the story are so concerned with appearing cultured and in - the - know that they create a whole fiasco around a book that hardly any of them have actually read. It's a clever commentary on the shallowness of some social groups.
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.
One of the best is 'Afterward'. It's a chilling tale that plays with the idea of a haunting that becomes evident only 'afterward'. The sense of unease and the slow revelation of the supernatural elements make it a classic among her ghost stories.
Well, Edith Wharton novels are characterized by their incisive social commentary. She was really good at showing the underbelly of the upper - class society. In many of her works, she delved into the power dynamics, the unspoken rules, and the hypocrisy. Take 'Ethan Frome' for instance. It's not just a love story, but also a portrayal of the harshness of rural life and how people are trapped by their circumstances, both social and environmental. Her novels are a mirror to the society she lived in.