Even though undefined, there are similar themes included in Edith Wharton's writing. After reading some of her work, I have noted that there are consistent themes without. Also, her personal background and the time period of her work plays a role in her writing of such themes. Whilst reading some of Wharton's work and excerpts, it was very clear that she had written about themes that some would consider taboo- especially during the time period that she had written in.
Major themes that Wharton had included in her work include: writing about class structure, behavior, and consciousness, morality, and most importantly; the imprisonment of marriage for women. She wrote about themes that had centrally revolved around women's aspiration for freedom-
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This was a novel that was a pioneer in the area of honestly writing about women's sexuality and sexual awakenings. The novel follows Charity- an independent, vibrant, and modern young women who begins to have a fervent love affair with Lucius Harney, a good looking, educated man that lives in the city. Throughout the story, readers learn that Charity is trying to find her place in society, and the ultimate decision of whether or not to conform to society or to follow what she truly feelings inside. Although the themes discussed in this novel are related to women's freedom, self-awakening is also a major theme included in this book. Much of the book is more focused on how this young woman realizes that she can make her own decisions and to formulate thoughts and opinions which makes her an individual. The themes throughout the novel are aligned with women's quest for sexual freedom- but more with economic freedom. This begins when her affair with Lucius commences, and she has reached her sexual awakening. After experiencing this, Charity starts to question her actual place in society and starts the search for her place as well as beginning to make her own …show more content…
As previously stated, " The Age of Innocence", "Summer" , and "The House of Mirth" are three of Wharton's most popular novels, and each include many, or all of the themes stated. Wharton was consistent with writing similar themes due to effects from her personal life, childhood, lifestyle, and the time period of her writing.
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Works Cited
Ammons, Elizabeth. “Edith Wharton.” Georgetown University, http://faculty.georgetown.edu/bassr/heath/syllabuild/iguide/wharton.html . Accessed 26 April 2017.
“Edith Wharton: A Biography.” The Mount: Edith Wharton’s Home, http://www.edithwharton.org/discover/edith-wharton/ . Accessed 30 April 2017
Wharton, Edith. The Age of Innocence. PDF. D. Appleton & Company, 1920. http://www.gutenberg.org/files/541/541-h/541-h.htm .
Wharton, Edith. Summer. PDF. Charles Scribner's Sons, 1917. http://pinkmonkey.com/dl/library1/digi082.pdf .
Wharton, Edith. The House of Mirth. PDF. Dover Publications, 1905. http://pinkmonkey.com/dl/library1/digi147.pdf .
Wilson, Edmund. “On Her Birthday, In Praise of Edith Wharton's Acerbic Pen.” New Republic, 24 January