8 Questions
What criticism did some readers have about Edith Wharton's portrayal of upper-class life in 'The House of Mirth'?
They complained that it was unsuitable for conversion into literature and lacked deep sympathy, smiling tenderness, and affectionate tolerance.
What did some critics believe about Edith Wharton's portrayal of social classes in 'The House of Mirth'?
Some critics believed that Wharton showed ignorance of the social forces governing all lives and was ignorant of the relations of class with class, which is the vital issue of social morality in her time.
What were some of the criticisms of Edith Wharton's literary competence?
She was reproached for being an accomplished writer, and the elegance of her style was felt to be a limitation expressing an inhospitable temperament to emotions animating great art.
Some readers were pleased with the writer's choice to show the glamorous side of upper-class life in 'The House of Mirth'.
False
Some critics believed that Edith Wharton showed profound ignorance of the relations of class with class in her books.
True
Edith Wharton's literary competence always won her praise from her critics.
False
Many agreed that Edith Wharton was an imitator of another famous American writer, Henry James.
True
Edith Wharton's literary sophistication was never confused with the supposed resemblance of her art to that of Henry James.
False
Explore the reception of Edith Wharton's work in the context of differing reader perspectives and literary movements. Delve into the criticisms and praise for her writing, and the commercial success she achieved during the 1920s.
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