Edith Wharton: New Year's Day False Dawn The Old Maid & The Spark (4 Books in One Edition) - Enriched edition
Edith Wharton
Maison d'édition: DigiCat
Synopsis
In this compelling anthology featuring four of Edith Wharton's poignant stories—"New Year's Day," "False Dawn," "The Old Maid," and "The Spark"—the reader is invited into Wharton's intricate exploration of societal mores and the complexities of human relationships. Wharton's literary style is marked by her keen psychological insight and elegant prose, skillfully weaving themes of deception, longing, and the often harsh realities of life in early 20th-century America. Each narrative serves as a microcosm of her era, portraying characters trapped by their circumstances and the rigid expectations of their social surroundings. This anthology not only highlights her talent for character development but also situates her narratives within the broader context of American realism and modernist literature. Edith Wharton, an esteemed author and the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for literature, was deeply influenced by her own experiences within the elite circles of American society. Her exposure to both the luxury and the limitations of high society informed her writing, granting her a unique perspective on class struggles and gender roles. These themes resonate throughout the stories included in this edition, shedding light on the internal and external conflicts faced by her characters, often reflecting Wharton's own quest for authenticity. This anthology is a must-read for anyone interested in delving into the nuanced worlds Wharton creates. It is an essential addition to the canon of American literature that will appeal to both longtime admirers and new readers. Through these stories, Wharton invites the reader to reflect on the intricate dance between social obligation and personal desire, making this collection a timeless exploration of the human condition. 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 era—social 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 work's strengths. - Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the author's overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts. - Lastly, our hand‐picked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collection's central themes.
