Edith Wharton Quotes

A collection of quotes by Edith Wharton.

Edith Wharton was an influential American novelist and short story writer, known for her insightful portrayals of the elite social classes of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was born on January 24, 1862, in New York City to a wealthy and socially prominent family. Wharton grew up in a privileged environment filled with luxury and refinement, which would later become the backdrop for many of her literary works.

Despite facing strict social conventions, Wharton developed a passion for literature from an early age. She read extensively and wrote prolifically, exploring themes of love, marriage, society, and morality. In 1905, Wharton published her breakthrough novel, "The House of Mirth," which received critical acclaim for its incisive critique of the Gilded Age society.

Throughout her career, Wharton penned numerous novels, including "Ethan Frome" and "The Age of Innocence," for which she became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1921. Her writing often delved into the tensions between personal desires and social expectations, shedding light on the complexities of the human condition.

Aside from her literary accomplishments, Wharton was also an active philanthropist, dedicating herself to various causes such as aiding refugees during World War I. She passed away on August 11, 1937, leaving behind a rich and enduring literary legacy that continues to influence and captivate readers today.