Edith Wharton, página 7 de 28

Edith Wharton (Nueva York, 1862 - Saint Brice, Francia, 1937), de soltera Edith Newbold Jones, nació en el seno de una familia de la alta burguesía neoyorquina y en 1885 se casó con el banquero Edward Wharton, del cual se divorcio en 1913. Obtuvo su primer exito literario con la novela La casa de la alegria (1905) y en 1921 gano el Premio Pulitzer con La edad de la inocencia. En 1907 se habia establecido en Francia y alli consolido su amistad con Henry James. Durante la Primera Guerra Mundial, fue autorizada a visitar los frentes y sobre esa experiencia publico una serie de articulos, a la vez que colaboraba con la Cruz Roja. Por este motivo, el Gobierno frances le otorgo la Legion de Honor. Un leitmotiv que aparece recurrentemente en sus novelas y relatos es el drama psicologico que sufren sus personajes ante unas rigidas convenciones sociales que impiden la libre expresion de sus sentimientos. Todo ello tratado con ironia critica y sentido del humor.

Pese a su Premio Pulitzer de 1920 por La edad de la inocencia y a la impecable versión cinematográfica que de la novela realizó Martin Scorsese, Edith Wharton es aún casi una desconocida para el lector español. Sus relatos constituyen un suculento muestrario de los meritos de esta escritora a la que insistentemente se ha comparado con Henry James. Aun admitiendo las innegables similitudes con el autor de Washington Square, la americana brilla con una prosa personalisima cuyas virtudes mas destacables son sus hilarantes ironias y el habil empleo de la elipsis.Sus relatos de fantasmas, recogidos en diversas antologias en español, son muy apreciados por los amantes del genero. Sin embargo, se hace imprescindible conocer a Wharton en el ambito costumbrista de estos deliciosos relatos que se leen sin que se desvanezca la sonrisa de los labios.

"La edad de la inocencia", publicada en 1920, constituye una de las mejores obras de Edith Wharton. No en vano, esta obra le consiguió en el año 1921 el Premio Pulitzer, galardón que entre otras cosas reconocia el gran logro de su autora en retratar la sociedad patricia del Nueva York de finales del siglo XIX.Asi mismo, esta novela de Wharton se ha convertido en un verdadero best seller, siendo uno de los libros mas leidos, tanto por los estudiantes como el publico general en Estados Unidos. De hecho, su popularidad, asi como el gran talento de su autora por reflejar el choque entre dos sociedades: una aferrada a no abandonar sus costumbres; y otra que siendo mucho mas abierta y liberal, terminara imponiendose, ha hecho que La edad de la inocencia llame tambien la atencion del Cine, genero en donde cuenta con tres adaptaciones.El eje argumental de "La edad de la inocencia" esta constituido por un adulterio frustrado. Newland Archer es un caballero de la alta burguesia en el Nueva York del siglo XIX que esta prometido a May Welland, pero todo cambiara al conocer a la prima de esta, la condesa de Olenska. La estrechez de miras y los convencionalismos sociales y de clase conducen la historia de unos personajes atrapados entre sus sentimientos y el lugar que ocupan en el mundo, en el que la buena compostura condiciona la vida.

"Estío" es, a su manera, una novela muy atípica en el conjunto de la obra de Edith Wharton, ya que es una de las dos que ambientó en Nueva Inglaterra, en un entorno rural, muy alejado de su sociedad media alta neoyorquina. Publicada originalmente en 1917, no tuvo una gran acogida hasta que resurgio como una de sus grandes novelas en la decada de los sesenta.Procedente del aspero y salvaje ambito de la Montaña y acogida de pequeña por el matrimonio Royall, la joven Charity vive ahora con su tutor ya viudo, el abogado Royall, en North Dormer, un minusculo pueblo de Nueva Inglaterra roido por el tedio. La visita de Lucius Harney, un joven arquitecto, despierta en ella la ilusion del amor y del deseo, asi como la de una nueva vida lejos de la asfixiante atmosfera local y de los incomodos requerimientos de su tutor. Sin embargo, el curso de los acontecimientos y la clara, aunque dolorosa, conciencia de su posicion y de sus intereses llevaran a Charity a aceptar una inapelable leccion de realidad.

While Wharton is best known for her searing autopsies on American aristocracy, Verses reveals a more introspective side of the author. This was her first work, published by her parents, and swiftly to be followed by The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence, the ladder which was adapted for the silver screen in 1993, starring Daniel Day-Lewis, and Michelle Pfeiffer.Verses reveals Whartons love for Shakespeare, in poems such as Heaven, and Maiden Arise. Through her work, the author explores the themes of life, love, and death, and sets aside some well-chosen words to write about the changing of the seasons. A wonderful read for Wharton fans who want to get to know the glass ceiling breaking author a little bit better.

In "Old New York," Edith Wharton masterfully explores the intricacies of New York society in the late 19th century through a series of interconnected stories. This collection captures the rigid social mores and the emerging shifts of modernity, utilizing Whartons hallmark psychological insight and rich, descriptive prose. With its nuanced characterization and intricate plotting, the book highlights themes of social class, ambition, and the constraints of tradition, set against the lush backdrop of Manhattans elite. Each narrative serves to illuminate the complex interplay between personal desire and societal expectation, making it a pivotal work that reflects the changing landscape of American life. Edith Wharton, a prominent figure of American literature and the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize, was deeply influenced by her affluent upbringing and the rigid societal structures she observed. Her intimate familiarity with the New York elite, combined with her keen sense of observation and critique of her contemporaries, fuels the narratives in this collection. Whartons own struggles with societal expectations and her desire for autonomy undoubtedly inform the characters experiences throughout the stories. "Old New York" is essential reading for anyone intrigued by the complexities of social dynamics and the transformative power of change within a historical context. Whartons incisive prose and keen insights invite readers to examine not only the lives of her characters but also the broader societal constructs of their time, making it a timeless exploration of human nature and society.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.- The Author Biography highlights personal milestones and literary influences that shape the entire body of writing.- A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader erasocial currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.- A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.- A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different works strengths.- Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the authors overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.- Lastly, our handpicked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collections central themes.

Edith Whartons "Old New York" is a compelling collection of four interconnected novellas, each capturing the intricacies of society, class, and morality in late 19th-century New York City. Whartons literary style seamlessly intertwines rich imagery and sharp social commentary, providing a nuanced exploration of the Gilded Ages societal norms. With titles such as "Roman Fever" and "The Old Maid," the narratives delve into themes of desire, betrayal, and the constraints of societal expectations, showcasing the authors masterful ability to portray the emotional landscapes of her characters against a backdrop of opulent yet stifling upper-class conventions. Born into a privileged family in New York City in 1862, Edith Wharton was acutely aware of the complexities and contradictions of elite society. Her own experiences as a member of the upper class, coupled with her keen sense of observational detail, inform the authenticity and depth found in "Old New York." Whartons background as a novelist, designer, and critic further emphasizes her mastery of the genre and her ability to critique the values of her time through an incisive lens. "Old New York" is a must-read for those interested in American literature and the intricate dynamics of social class. Whartons poignant storytelling invites readers to reflect on the timeless struggles of love and ambition within the constraints of societal expectations, making this collection a powerful reflection on the human condition.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A succinct Introduction situates the works timeless appeal and themes.- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the eras events and influences that shaped the writing.- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the authors life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the works messages, connecting them to modern life.- Handpicked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

"French Ways and Their Meaning" by Edith Wharton. Published by e-artnow. e-artnow publishes a wide range of titles that encompasses every genre. From well-known classics & literary fiction and non-fiction to forgottenor yet undiscovered gemsof world literature, we issue the books that need to be read. Each e-artnow edition has been meticulously edited and formatted to boost readability for all e-readers and devices. Our goal is to produce eBooks that are user-friendly and accessible to everyone in a high-quality digital format.