A Coward by Edith Wharton (1912)
The novel revolves around the life of John Bridewell, a wealthy and influential man who is haunted by his past cowardice. The story unfolds in flashback, revealing how Bridewell's fear of taking a stand against his tyrannical father led to a tragic event that has left him with a deep sense of guilt and shame.
By Edith Wharton · First published 1912 · Genre: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Historical Fiction · 3 chapters · 8,010 words
First lines
"My daughter Irene," said Mrs. Carstyle (she made it rhyme with _tureen_), "has had no social advantages; but if Mr. Carstyle had chosen -- " she paused significantly and looked at the shabby sofa on the opposite side of the fire-place as though it had been Mr. Carstyle. Vibart was glad that it was not.
What this Textopian page supports
A Coward is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edith Wharton, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edith Wharton
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Historical Fiction, Social Criticism
- Length: 8,010 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 90 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Coward by Edith Wharton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Coward?
- How does this novel by Edith Wharton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Pelican by Edith Wharton
- The Pretext by Edith Wharton
- The Other Two by Edith Wharton
- A Point In Morals by Ellen Glasgow
- Rosalie Prudent by Guy De Maupassant
- The Pitfall by Mary Cholmondeley
Genres
- Drama — The narrative focuses on the emotional and psychological development of the protagonist.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves into the mental state and inner life of the main character.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context are deeply rooted in a specific historical period.
- Social Criticism — The narrative critiques societal norms and expectations of the time.
Tags
Psychological Fiction · Novella · American Literature · Early 20th Century · Social Commentary · Upper Class · Marriage · Infidelity · Deception · Morality · Ethics · Guilt
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III