South Wentworth/Smedden (The Pretext)

South Wentworth and Smedden are located south of Wentworth University “a few hundred yards” (Lewis, 1968, p. 641) behind the two benches by the river. It is described as the industrial district of Wentworth with “brutal industries” (Lewis, 1968, p. 641) and “electrical works” (Lewis, 1968, p. 638). These factories give the impression that something bad or dark lies in some distance what could be a hint on the rather tragic end of the short story. Smedden, or rather Smedden Company is located in South Wentworth. It is a subsidiary of the great Smedden Company in London and Guy Dawnish works there for two years to become an electric engineer. The fact that Mr. Robert Ransom is “away at South Wentworth” (Lewis, 1968, p. 644) and that Guy Dawnish has been sent there for a “two years’ training” (Lewis, 1968, p. 638) gives the impression that the companies in South Wentworth are working together with Wentworth University.

Source:

Lewis, R. W. B. (1968). The Collected Short Stories of Edith Wharton. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.