ENGL 485-01, Henry James and Edith Warton, Spring 2013

Abstract

In this course we will focus exclusively on the works of Henry James and Edith Wharton. Through intensive study of their novels and short stories, we will consider questions of sexuality, gender, ethnicity, nationality, aesthetics, and economics. We will also situate the fiction historically, not only by learning about the authors’ lives, but more importantly, by considering the texts as cultural artifacts of the late nineteenth century and early twentieth and by thinking of them as exemplars of various literary genres and modes such as realism, naturalism, satire and novels of manners. Finally, we will also consider questions of literary influence and intertextuality, given the close personal and professional relationship between the two authors.