Edith Wharton

This insightful study of Wharton's works highlights her moral and philosophical inquiries, presenting her as a novelist deeply engaged with spiritual questions.

In Edith Wharton, Carol Singley presents a compelling argument for viewing Wharton as a novelist deeply concerned with moral questions rather than merely social manners. This perspective shifts the focus from the drawing room to the library, emphasizing Wharton's exploration of profound spiritual and metaphysical inquiries. Singley delves into Wharton's engagement with various religious traditions, including Anglicanism, Calvinism, Transcendentalism, and Catholicism, to shed light on how these beliefs influenced her writing and personal evolution.

The author analyzes both the short stories and seven major novels of Wharton, contextualizing them within the broader cultural landscape of the turn of the century. By considering the interplay of science, historicism, and aesthetic movements, Singley illustrates how Wharton's philosophical outlook emerged as a response to the prevailing crisis of belief in her time. This nuanced approach reveals the complexities of Wharton's character and her literary contributions, which often grapple with the tensions of class and gender.

Ultimately, Edith Wharton offers fresh interpretations of her life and work, positioning her as a significant figure in the literary canon. Singley's insightful analysis not only honors Wharton's legacy but also invites readers to reconsider the depth of her moral and philosophical inquiries, making this study an essential read for those interested in the intersection of literature, religion, and culture.