Edith Wharton was an American novelist, short story writer, and designer. She was born into wealth and privilege in 1862, and as such, her writing often depicts the lifestyles of the upper class in the late 19th and early 20th century. Wharton's work reflects her fascination with societal norms and class structures, and her keen observational skills enable her to unmask the various layers of society through her writing.
The Facade of High Society
One of Wharton's recurring themes is the façade of high society. Her novels often portray characters who, despite their affluent backgrounds, are trapped in the trappings of their class. In The House of Mirth, for example, protagonist Lily Bart is forced to navigate the social expectations and limitations of the upper class, which ultimately leads to her downfall. Similarly, The Age of Innocence portrays the societal pressure placed on New York's elite in the 1870s, revealing the emptiness and hypocrisy of their values.
Wharton's criticism of high society was not limited to her novels; it also manifested in her design work. She believed that the aesthetics of a space were integral to its function and would often critique the ostentatious homes of wealthy clients. In her book, The Decoration of Houses, she offers practical advice on creating tasteful and functional living spaces, preserving the beauty of a home's architecture while avoiding vulgar ornamentation.
The Struggle of Women in a Patriarchal Society
Another recurring theme in Wharton's work is the struggle of women in a patriarchal society. She was critical of the limitations placed on women's roles and opportunities, and her writing often depicts the obstacles faced by women in pursuing their ambitions. Ethan Frome, for example, tells the story of a woman trapped in a loveless marriage and struggling to find happiness. The Custom of the Country follows protagonist Undine Spragg, a young woman determined to climb the social ladder at any cost, ultimately exposing the limitations of society's expectations for women.
Wharton's own experiences inform her portrayal of women in her writing. She married at the age of 23 to a man who was emotionally unstable and who would later suffer breakdowns. As a result, Wharton's writing reflects an understanding of the constraints placed on women in a male-dominated society. Her novel, The Mother's Recompense, for example, tells the story of a woman who sacrifices her own happiness and freedom for her family.
The Duality of Human Nature
Wharton was also interested in the duality of human nature, the idea that people often have both positive and negative traits. Her characters are not easily defined as 'good' or 'bad' but exhibit a complex range of emotions and motivations. The characterizations in her writing are multi-dimensional and nuanced, with each individual having their own unique perspective on life.
This theme can be seen in The House of Mirth, where Lily Bart is both manipulative and sympathetic, as well as in The Age of Innocence, where the protagonist, Newland Archer, struggles with his feelings for his fiancé and his desires for her cousin, Countess Olenska. Wharton's writing demonstrates her belief that people cannot be easily categorized and that their motivations are often influenced by their experiences and emotions.
In conclusion, Edith Wharton's work explores the complexities of societal norms and class structures, the struggle of women in a patriarchal society, and the duality of human nature. Her writing unearths the various layers of society, exposing the façade of high society, the constraints placed on women, and the multi-dimensional nature of human motivation. Her talent for observation and her ability to craft engaging and powerful narratives continue to captivate readers today.
