American Literature II

To narrate the interior life of a character is to try to understand that character’s motives, how he/she thinks, why he/she has particular feelings.  Many critics have argued that this requires either sympathy for the character on the part of the author or at least a readiness to suspend judgment.  And yet Edith Wharton is writing as a satirist.  At times, she is clearly critiquing the values and attitudes of her characters.  How is she able to do this while also offering a compelling description of how her characters’ minds work?  Does Wharton achieve a balance between sympathy and satire?  If so, how?  If not, what is her agenda?  Which prevails in her characterization: the urge to judge or the urge to understand?  Please consider a short passage one paragraph or one page), in which Wharton describes the thoughts of either Undine Spragg or Ralph Marvell.  Try to figure out whether she is subtly mocking the character, whether she is expressing sympathy, or whether she is doing both.  Please choose a passage that appears in either Book II or later (after page 107 in the assigned edition)

1-2 pages, double-spaced.  Due March 13.

If you prefer, you may also use the generic prompt under Response Paper Guidelines:

Response Paper Guidelines