A Study of Some Male Characters in Edith Wharton's Novels

Abstract

<p>Edith Wharton has been criticised for her portrayal of male characters. They are often dismissed as being mainly one type: the inadequate, aristocratic, dilettante gentleman. This thesis argues that whilst this figure re-occurs in her work a development can be seen from Lawrence Selden of The House of Mirth, to Ralph Marvell of The Custom of the Country culminating in Newland Archer, hero of The Age of Innocence. Furthermore these men are not carbon copies of each other, but independent characters in their own right. Finally, it will be shown that there is a considerable range of male characters to be found playing secondary roles in her work.</p>