Florence (Diagnosis)

In the early 20^th century approximately 300,000 people lived in Florence.[i] It is called the birthplace of the Renaissance which is also a reason for Edith Wharton to be interested in this city; besides that, the Dorrances live in an arcaded Villa in Florence which is also a sign for Wharton’s preferences regarding the archaic construction style. Many famous works of arts can be found in Florence as well, for instance Michelangelo’s “David” and several frescoes in the Florence Cathedral.

Additionally, Edith Wharton very frequently uses light in her short story “Diagnosis” to convey the characters feelings and emotions. This understanding of light regarding arts was discovered in Florence in the late 13^th century and afterwards, in the same place, this craft was further developed to its full potential which can be seen in the many frescoes of the different centuries. It can be argued that Wharton refers to this craft by mentioning Florence within the story.

[i] Meyers großes Standardlexikon. In 3 Bänden (1983). Mannheim: Bibliograph. Inst. p.631.