Divorce

Information:

Besides changes towards modernity in fields such as architecture and industry, social issues like marriage and divorce underwent significant changes in New York City and the whole US at the turn from 19^th to 20^th century. New York City as the financial and cultural center of the US had a sort of pioneer-role in this process. Divorce was no longer a scandal but became a normal occurrence accepted by society.

In “Autres Temps“:

Mrs. Lidcote experiences the societal reaction to her divorce before the liberalization of societal attitudes took place. In contrast, Leila belongs to the next generation and to her, the new and more liberal moral codex applies. Consequently, Leila experiences societal acceptance after her divorce while Mrs. Lidcote was ostracized several years earlier because of the same decision. The topic of divorce was an autobiographical one to Edith Wharton. She divorced her husband in 1913.

Further reading:

• about marriage and divorce in the US at the turn from 19th to 20th century:

• http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/series/sr_21/sr21_024.pdf

• about marriage and divorce in Edith Wharton´s work:

- http://bnreview.barnesandnoble.com/t5/Reviews-Essays/The-New-York-Stories-of-Edith-Wharton/ba-p/125

- Singley, Carol J. (2003): A Historical Guide to Edith Wharton. Oxford University Press: New York City. p.66-73

Sources:

• Singley, Carol J. (ed.) (2003): A Historical Guide to Edith Wharton. Oxford University Press: New York City. p.66-73