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Edith Wharton

Definition

Edith Wharton was a prominent American author and designer during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She is best known for her novels exploring the social restrictions of upper-class society, such as "The Age of Innocence" which won the Pulitzer Prize.

Analogy

Think of Edith Wharton as a tour guide into the world of America's high society during the Gilded Age. Through her books, she gives us an insider's view, much like how a reality TV show might expose the lives of celebrities today.

Related terms

Gilded Age: This term refers to a period in American history (late 19th century) characterized by rapid economic growth but also marked by significant social inequality and superficial glamour.

Pulitzer Prize: An award for achievements in newspaper, magazine and online journalism, literature, and musical composition within the United States.

Realism: A literary movement that represents reality by portraying mundane, everyday experiences as they are in real life. It often focuses on the harsh side of life in its more serious works.