edith wharton best ghost stories

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.

One of her well - known ghost stories is 'Afterward'. It has an eerie atmosphere where a couple moves into a new house and gradually discovers that there is something strange about it. The sense of the unknown and the slow build - up of the supernatural elements make it a great ghost story.

You can often find them in libraries. Most libraries have a collection of Edith Wharton's works, and you can look for anthologies that specifically focus on her ghost stories. They are usually grouped together in sections dedicated to classic or horror literature.

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.

Another excellent one is 'The Other Two'. This story delves deep into the complexities of marriage and the pasts that people bring into relationships. Wharton masterfully shows how the main character has to deal with her husband's former relationships in a society where reputation matters a great deal.

Some of her best short stories include 'Roman Fever'. It's a story that delves into the complex relationships between two women and their hidden secrets and jealousies. The setting in Rome adds an air of elegance and mystery.

There are also servants in some of the stories. They play an interesting role as they might have their own superstitions and knowledge about the haunted places. Sometimes they are the ones who try to warn the main characters about the ghosts, but are often not believed.

Well, the use of symbolism in these stories is quite remarkable. Things like old family heirlooms or certain rooms in the houses often symbolize the past and the secrets that haunt the present. It gives the stories more meaning and makes them more than just simple ghost tales.

Another way was through the use of pacing. In her stories like 'Pomegranate Seed', she would start with a slow build - up, introducing little hints of the supernatural at first. Then as the story progressed, the tension would increase until it reached a climax. This gradual build - up of suspense is a key factor in creating the spooky atmosphere in her best ghost stories.

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.