Language in "The Duchess at Prayer"

Edith Wharton explores the colors and confines of convention, plays with reader's expectations, explores archetypes, integrates mythological and Christian references into her stories. Another key characteristic of her writing is her masterly command of the English language. This shows itself in two distinct ways.

The first is Wharton's tendency to have her characters "agonize over the use and abuse of the English language, over the impossibility of expressing reality in language, and over the inadequacy of language as a means of communication."[1] Here, Wharton concerns herself with the effectiveness of how language can be used to communicate emotions or ideas; characters in her stories often reflect this interest of hers.[2] This discrepancy between the words used and the meaning intended is reminiscent of De Saussure's semiotic theory which differentiates between signifier and signified[3] and is often a cause of turmoil for Whartonian characters. Wharton "knows and demonstrates that language can be precise. She records modern concerns about the problems of language, but simultaneously her own clear style upholds high standards and affirms the power of language."[4]

And so, the second is the sophisticated use of her extensive vocabulary, which is what shall be focused on in the following.

Wharton tends to use highly nuanced and differentiated language; this helps to create a very expressive and engaging flow of text. This is also true for "The Duchess at Prayer" which features evocative use of language which creates atmospheres that help lead the reader deeper into the story. Rather than analyzing the minutia of how this is exactly accomplished on a textual level, here the words and expression used shall be closer examined. Wharton incorporates archaic terms and phrases lesser-known to those acquiring English as a second language.

[1] Emsley 2003, p. 23

[2] see Emsley 2003

[3] see Busch and Stenschke 2008, p. 3ff, p. 17ff

[4] Emsley 2003, p. 24