Afterward by Edith Wharton (1910)

Name: Afterward
Author: Edith Wharton

The novel revolves around the story of a widow, Mrs. Waythorn, who remarries to a wealthy and kind-hearted man, Newland Archer. However, she still harbors feelings for her former lover, Ellen Olenska, who has returned to New York after a scandalous divorce. As Mrs. Waythorn navigates her new marriage and social obligations, she is forced to confront the lingering emotions and moral dilemmas of her past, leading to a tragic conclusion.

By Edith Wharton · First published 1910 · Genre: Gothic Fiction, Ghost Story, Psychological Fiction · 5 chapters · 16,095 words

First lines

"Oh, there _is_ one, of course, but you'll never know it."

The assertion, laughingly flung out six months earlier in a bright June garden, came back to Mary Boyne with a sharp perception of its latent significance as she stood, in the December dusk, waiting for the lamps to be brought into the library.

What this Textopian page supports

Afterward is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edith Wharton, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Gothic Fiction, Ghost Story, Psychological Fiction, Mystery
Length: 16,095 words
Structure: 5 chapters, 256 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Afterward by Edith Wharton
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Afterward?
How does this novel by Edith Wharton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Gothic Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Gothic Fiction — The story is characterized by elements of fear, horror, death, and gloom, as well as romantic elements, such as nature, individuality, and very high emotion. These elements are quintessential to Gothic Fiction.
Ghost Story — The narrative revolves around the appearance of spectral figures and the uncanny, which are central to the genre of Ghost Stories.
Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the psychological and emotional states of the characters, exploring their inner conflicts and motivations.
Mystery — The narrative is structured around a central mystery that is gradually revealed, creating suspense and intrigue.