Glossary of Symbolic Devices

Being well-read and well-educated on a plethora of different stories across multiple cultures, and being well-acquainted with art, gave Edith Wharton the tools to weave both implicit and explicit references into her own works. Her stories are often wrought with subtle nods to mythology, religion and art. Themes are explored through sophisticated use of representative symbols.

Whether or not the reader picks up on these intricacies seldom influences the superficial understanding of the short story; however, noticing and analyzing them can help deepen one’s comprehension and appreciation of the subject matter at hand. This is especially true when Wharton chooses a subtext-heavy and between-the-lines approach to storytelling.