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Results for 'edith wharton'
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The House of Mirth
"The House of Mirth" by Edith Wharton delves into the life of Lily Bart, a young woman navigating the treacherous waters of New York's high society at the turn of the 20th century. The narrative begins with Lily's chance encounter with Lawrence Selden at Grand Central Station, which sets the stage for a series of events that highlight her precarious social standing and financial instability. Lily is portrayed as a woman of beauty and charm, yet she is trapped by societal expectations and her own desires for luxury and status. Her interactions with Percy Gryce, a wealthy but dull suitor, reveal her strategic attempts to secure a financially stable future through marriage. However, Lily's impulsive visit to Selden's apartment and her subsequent encounter with Simon Rosedale, a socially ambitious businessman, complicate her plans. Rosedale's awareness of Lily's visit to Selden's flat poses a threat to her reputation, illustrating the constant scrutiny and judgment she faces. As Lily grapples with her diminishing prospects and mounting debts, Wharton paints a vivid picture of a woman caught between her aspirations and the harsh realities of her social environment. The novel explores themes of wealth, power, and the limitations imposed on women, ultimately questioning the true cost of maintaining appearances in a world governed by rigid social hierarchies.
€ 32,95 -
The Custom of the Country
"The Custom of the Country" by Edith Wharton explores the social changes and challenges of Undine Spragg, a young woman from Apex City who moves to New York with her parents in pursuit of a higher social standing. The narrative begins with Undine's dissatisfaction with her current social circle and her determination to break into the elite society of New York. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Spragg, are supportive but often bewildered by her relentless pursuit of status and luxury. Undine's character is marked by her beauty, charm, and a fierce determination to achieve her goals, often at the expense of those around her. The story delves into her interactions with various characters, including Ralph Marvell, a member of an old New York family, and Claud Walsingham Popple, a portrait painter. Undine's journey is marked by her attempts to navigate the complex social hierarchies and her struggles with the limitations imposed by her background. Wharton uses Undine's character to critique the materialism and superficiality of the society she aspires to join. The novel highlights the tension between personal desires and societal expectations, as well as the impact of change on personal relationships. Through Undine's experiences, Wharton provides a commentary on the changing social landscape of early 20th-century America, where traditional values are often at odds with the new consumer culture.
€ 37,95 -
Ethan Frome
Ethan Frome is a 1912 novel set in New England. It is a story of a doomed love triangle between Ethan Frome, his wife and their housekeeper. Given the social conventions of the time, Ethan Frome feels he must stay, trapped in a loveless marriage, rather than pursue his true feelings. The tension builds slowly to a dramatic and classically ironic ending in one of Wharton's best stories.
€ 21,95 -
In Morocco
"In Morocco" by Edith Wharton is a vivid travelogue that captures the essence of Morocco during a time of change. The narrative begins with Wharton's journey from Tangier, a city already touched by European influence, into the heart of Morocco, which remains largely untouched by modernity. Wharton describes the challenges of traveling through the Moroccan landscape, from the rough trails to the unexpected breakdowns that reveal the country's untamed nature. Her journey takes her to Rabat and Sale, where she observes the contrast between the bustling markets and the serene, historical architecture. Wharton is particularly captivated by the ruins of Chella and the grandeur of the Tower of Hassan, which stand as testaments to Morocco's rich history. The narrative also includes a visit to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the sacred city of Moulay Idriss, where Wharton experiences the blend of ancient Roman and Islamic influences. Throughout her travels, Wharton is accompanied by French officials who provide insights into the country's past and present, highlighting the efforts to preserve Morocco's cultural heritage amidst the inevitable changes brought by European colonization. Her account is not just a travel diary but a reflection on the cultural and historical complexities of Morocco, offering readers a glimpse into a world on the brink of transformation.
€ 22,95 -
Ethan Frome
"Ethan Frome" by Edith Wharton is a poignant exploration of isolation, duty, and unfulfilled desires set against the bleak backdrop of a New England winter. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of an unnamed narrator who becomes intrigued by the enigmatic figure of Ethan Frome, a man marked by physical and emotional scars. The story is set in the fictional town of Starkfield, Massachusetts, where the harsh winter mirrors the desolation in Ethan's life. Ethan is trapped in a loveless marriage with his sickly wife, Zeena, and burdened by the responsibilities of his failing farm. The arrival of Mattie Silver, Zeena's young cousin, brings a glimmer of hope and warmth into Ethan's life. As Ethan and Mattie grow closer, their mutual affection becomes a source of both joy and torment, as they are bound by societal and moral constraints. The tension culminates in a tragic "smash-up," leaving Ethan physically and emotionally crippled. Wharton's narrative delves into themes of duty versus desire, the effect of environment on the human spirit, and the tragic consequences of choices constrained by circumstance. Through vivid descriptions and a keen psychological insight, Wharton paints a haunting portrait of a man caught between the life he yearns for and the one he is forced to endure.
€ 15,95 -
The Age of Innocence
"The Age of Innocence," a novel by Edith Wharton, is set in the elite circles of New York City during the 1870s, a time when societal norms and family lineage dictated one's place in the world. The narrative follows Newland Archer, a young lawyer engaged to the beautiful but conventional May Welland. Archer's life takes a turn when he becomes enamored with May's cousin, the unconventional and free-spirited Countess Ellen Olenska, who has returned to New York after a failed marriage in Europe. The novel delves into the complexities of love, duty, and societal expectations, as Archer grapples with his feelings for Ellen and his obligations to May. Wharton paints a vivid picture of a society bound by rigid customs, where appearances and reputation are paramount. Through Archer's internal conflict, the novel critiques the constraints of high society and the sacrifices individuals make to maintain social harmony. Wharton's keen observations and rich characterizations earned the novel the Pulitzer Prize in 1921, making her the first woman to receive the award.
€ 24,90 -
Summer
Edith Wharton¿s controversial novel Summer is the story of Charity Royall, an ambitious young woman trapped in a stifling small town by both her gender and her social class. When a visiting stranger arrives in town, Charity is awakened to a wider world of possibilities and to the realities that constrain her.Published in 1917, the novel was both attacked and ignored for openly acknowledging female sexuality and its many inequities. Later generations of critics have come to regard the book as an important turning point in Wharton¿s work and a spiritual companion to her classic novel, Ethan Frome.
€ 20,95 -
The House of Mirth
"The House of Mirth," a novel by Edith Wharton published in 1905, explores the life of Lily Bart, a young woman navigating the complexities of New York's high society. The narrative delves into themes of social class, wealth, and the pursuit of happiness, as Lily attempts to secure a suitable marriage to maintain her social standing. Despite her beauty and charm, Lily faces numerous challenges, including societal expectations and personal dilemmas, which ultimately lead to her downfall. Wharton's work is renowned for its detailed portrayal of the upper class and its critique of the materialism and superficiality that often accompany wealth. Through Lily's story, Wharton highlights the precarious nature of social status and the personal sacrifices required to uphold it. The novel's rich character development and intricate plot make it a seminal work in American literature, offering insights into the societal norms of the early 20th century.
€ 27,90 -
The House of Mirth
€ 31,95