Edith Wharton Accomplishments

As the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1921, Edith Wharton has recorded over 80 written works, composing primarily of short stories, poetry, and novels. Regarded as one of the most prominent figures in American literature, Edith Wharton provides extreme depth into the American experience. Born during the Civil War, Edith Wharton was a member of New York City’s upper class. Her family traveled extensively to Europe during her adolescent years that resulted in her becoming fluent in French, German, and Italian. Edith abandoned the propriety of women’s expectations during the 19th century and fell into a love of learning. She possessed a rebellious attitude and read from her father’s library, even when her mother forbade her from

Over 20 of her original poems were secretly published and some featured anonymously in the literary magazine, The Atlantic. As an early adult Edith Wharton was discouraged from continuing a literary career and thus did not publish anything until nine years later, a poem titled The Last Giustiniani. When Edith was nineteen years old, she was engaged to Henry Stevens, a successful and influential member of New York’s elite class, however, two months after their engagement they split up. She eventually married Edward Wharton, who was able to provide Edith with a lavish lifestyle, she continued her travels to Europe and the couple purchased a mansion named “The Mount”, located in Massachusetts. In addition to writing, during her marriage to Edward she became fascinated with design, specifically interior and garden design. Edith produced several critically acclaimed works during this time, including The Valley of Decision in 1902 and The House of Mirth, published in 1905. The Whartons moved to the Rue de Varenne, France in 1907. Around the time when Edith and Edward’s marriage began falling apart, she published Ethan Frome in 1911, a devastating love story that perhaps reflected the emotions she was accustomed to while her