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.
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.
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.
Edith Wharton's ghost stories are often characterized by a sense of unease and psychological depth. Her use of setting, such as old mansions and decaying estates, adds to the spooky atmosphere. For example, in 'The Lady's Maid's Bell', the old house with its hidden secrets creates a perfect backdrop for the ghostly encounters.
Edith Wharton's ghost stories are known for their unique blend of psychological depth and the supernatural. Her use of setting, often in old, decaying mansions, adds to the eerie atmosphere. For example, in 'The Lady's Maid's Bell', the old house serves as a character in itself, with its creaking floors and hidden rooms contributing to the sense of mystery and the presence of the supernatural.
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.
Wharton's ghost stories also showed that the genre could be used to explore social and cultural issues. Through the use of the supernatural, she could comment on things like class differences, gender roles, and the power dynamics in society. This broadened the scope of what ghost stories could achieve and inspired other writers to do the same.
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.
One of Edith Wharton's famous ghost stories is 'Afterward'. In this story, the use of suspense is masterful. The main characters seem to be living a normal life at first, but then strange events start to occur. There are unexplained noises and a sense of unease that pervades the story. The way Wharton builds up the atmosphere is very effective. She doesn't reveal too much too soon, keeping the readers on their toes, wondering what the true nature of the 'ghostly' happenings is.