His Father's Son by Edith Wharton
The novel explores the complex and troubled relationship between a father and son, who are both struggling with their own identities and sense of purpose. The son, who has been living abroad, returns to his family's estate in the United States and must confront his feelings of inadequacy and disconnection from his father. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the father is emotionally distant and demanding, while the son is sensitive and idealistic. Through their interactions, Wharton examines themes of masculinity, class, and the constraints of societal expectations.
By Edith Wharton · First published 1917 · Genre: Drama, Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction · 3 chapters · 9,080 words
First lines
AFTER his wife's death Mason Grew took the momentous step of selling out his business and moving from Wingfield, Connecticut, to Brooklyn.
What this Textopian page supports
His Father's Son is listed on Textopian as a novella by Edith Wharton, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Historical Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Family Saga
- Length: 9,080 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 119 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for His Father's Son 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 His Father's Son?
- How does this novella by Edith Wharton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Drama first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Son Of Rashmani by Rabindranath Tagore
- In Trust by Edith Wharton
- A Cup Of Cold Water by Edith Wharton
- Santa Lucia by John Galsworthy
- A Coward by Edith Wharton
- The Debt by Edith Wharton
Genres
- Drama — The narrative focuses on interpersonal relationships and emotional journeys.
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical period and context.
- Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the psychological and emotional states of the characters.
- Family Saga — The plot revolves around the dynamics and evolution of a family over time.
Tags
Family Drama · Social Class · Wealth · Inheritance · Father-Son Relationship · Identity Crisis · Coming of Age · American Literature · Early 20th Century · New York Society · Upper Class · Morality
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III