Expiation by Edith Wharton (1929)
The novel revolves around the theme of guilt and redemption, exploring the consequences of a tragic event on the lives of its characters. The story unfolds through the narrative of a woman who, in her youth, was responsible for a fatal accident that resulted in the death of her cousin.Haunted by the memory of this incident, she embarks on a journey of self-reflection and expiation, seeking to make amends and find forgiveness.
By Edith Wharton · First published 1929 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance · 5 chapters · 11,772 words
First lines
"I CAN never," said Mrs. Fetherel, "hear the bell ring without a shudder."
Her unruffled aspect -- she was the kind of woman whose emotions never communicate themselves to her clothes -- and the conventional background of the New York drawing-room, with its pervading implication of an imminent tea-tray and of an atmosphere in which the social functions have become purely reflex, lent to her declaration a relief not lost on her cousin Mrs. Clinch, who, from the other side of the fireplace, agreed with a glance at the clock, that it _was_ the hour for bores.
What this Textopian page supports
Expiation is listed on Textopian as a novella by Edith Wharton, dated 1929 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Edith Wharton
- Date: 1929 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Drama, Romance, Social Critique
- Length: 11,772 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 206 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Expiation 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 Expiation?
- How does this novella by Edith Wharton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative focuses on complex characters and psychological exploration, typical of literary fiction.
- Drama — The story contains dramatic elements, including conflict and tension between characters.
- Romance — Romantic relationships and their complications are central to the plot.
- Social Critique — The narrative critiques societal norms and expectations, a common feature of social critique.
Tags
Guilt · Redemption · Family Secrets · Social Class · Marriage · Infidelity · Deception · Moral Ambiguity · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Tragic Love Story · American Literature
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III
- CHAPTER IV
- CHAPTER V