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.
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.
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.
One of the most famous Wharton novels is 'The Age of Innocence'. It offers a vivid portrayal of the upper - class society in New York during the late 19th century. The characters are complex and the story delves deep into themes of love, social expectations, and the constraints of propriety.
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 Wharton ghost stories may have originated from local tragedies. For example, deaths in families or accidents in certain locations can give rise to such tales as people try to make sense of the unexplained and the sorrowful events.
One of the well - known Wharton novels is 'The Age of Innocence'. It offers a profound look at the upper - class society in New York during the Gilded Age, exploring themes of love, social norms, and the constraints of propriety.
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.
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.