Edith Wharton's portrayal of black women was somewhat constrained by the social norms of her day. She typically placed them in roles associated with the lower rungs of the social ladder in her stories. Black women were often depicted as servants, which was a common perception of their place in society at that time. However, this also gives us a window into the complex social fabric that included racial disparities and the restricted roles available to black women in the early 20th - century settings that Wharton wrote about.
Edith Wharton was mainly known for her exploration of the lives of the upper - class in the early 20th century America. Regarding stories specifically about black women, there isn't a great deal that is extremely prominent. It could be that her work doesn't center around this demographic as much as others. Maybe in some of her descriptions of the domestic scene, black women are briefly mentioned as maids or helpers, but not fully developed as main characters in their own right.
Edith Wharton wrote quite a few stories. It's hard to give an exact number, but she was a prolific author.
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.
Edith Wharton wrote quite a few short stories. It's hard to give an exact number, but it's a significant amount.
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.
Edith Wharton came from a wealthy, upper - class background. This influenced her writing as she often wrote about the upper - class society she was familiar with. For example, she could accurately describe their lavish lifestyles and the social norms they adhered to in her short novels.
Edith Wharton was known for her meticulous plotting when telling a short story. She would often start with a clear concept or a particular social situation. For example, she might observe the upper - class society she was part of and find an interesting aspect like the constraints on women in marriage. Then, she would build her characters around this situation. Her characters were well - rounded, with their own desires, flaws, and moral compasses. She used vivid descriptions to bring the settings to life, whether it was a grand mansion or a small parlor in New York. Through her characters' dialogues and actions, she would unfold the story's conflict and lead it to a resolution that often had a touch of irony or a moral lesson.
One of the top contenders for Edith Wharton's best novel is 'The Age of Innocence'. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921. The novel shows how the social norms of the time can suffocate individuals, especially when it comes to matters of the heart. The characters are well - drawn, and the descriptions of the high - society life in New York are both fascinating and a bit horrifying in their rigidity.
They reflected the rigid social norms. People were expected to follow strict codes of behavior in terms of dressing, socializing, and marriage. For instance, in her works, we can see how a wrong move in a social gathering could have serious consequences for one's reputation.
Well, Edith Wharton's writing style is quite unique. She combines a sharp eye for detail with a deep understanding of human nature. Her descriptions are meticulous, whether it's a description of a character's appearance or the interior of a stately home. In terms of dialogue, it is very natural and helps to move the story forward while also developing the characters. She is also skilled at using symbolism in her writing. For example, a particular piece of jewelry might symbolize a character's status or a relationship. This adds depth to her novels.