edith wharton

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 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 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.

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 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.

In Edith Wharton's ghost stories, the characters' reactions to the ghosts are quite interesting. Some are terrified, while others are almost drawn to them. This shows her exploration of human nature in the face of the supernatural. Her writing style, with its detailed descriptions and nuanced characterizations, makes these ghost stories not just about the spooky elements but also about the human psyche.