Wharton stamps, author’s private collection
This course is designed to provide you with an in-depth look at Edith Wharton’s literary contributions, while also helping you hone your critical reading, writing, and researching skills. Our class discussions will focus on Wharton’s poetry, short fiction, novels, and essays, and we will work to place these writings in conversation with a variety of biographical, historical, and critical works. By the end of the semester, you should feel comfortable identifying and tracing themes across Wharton’s works as well as describing the development of her aesthetic values and literary style.
Required Texts and Supplies:
- The House of Mirth
- Ethan Frome
- The Ghost Stories of Edith Wharton
- The Custom of the Country
- Summer
- French Ways and Their Meaning
- The Age of Innocence
- The Mother’s Recompense
- Access to Sakai
- Access to UD Library’s Research Guides
- One class notebook
- Printer paper and ink cartridges
Writing Requirements:
Because this course satisfies a second writing requirement, you will be responsible for writing three essays, two of which will include heavy research components, as well as keeping a commonplace book and research notebook.
Virginia Garnett 