The Debt by Edith Wharton (1916)
The novel revolves around the character of Lewis Darlington, a wealthy businessman who has made his fortune through questionable means. He is haunted by a debt from his past, which he believes must be repaid in order to clear his conscience. The story explores themes of morality, guilt, and redemption as Darlington navigates his complex relationships with those around him, including his wife and his rival, a man who seeks revenge against him. Through Darlington's struggles, the novel examines the consequences of one's actions and the possibility of personal transformation.
By Edith Wharton · First published 1916 · Genre: Realism, Drama, Social Critique · 3 chapters · 7,651 words
First lines
YOU remember -- it's not so long ago -- the talk there was about Dredge's "Arrival of the Fittest"? The talk has subsided, but the book of course remains: stands up, in fact, as the tallest thing of its kind since -- well, I'd almost said since "The Origin of Species."
What this Textopian page supports
The Debt is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edith Wharton, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edith Wharton
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Realism, Drama, Social Critique
- Length: 7,651 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 109 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Debt 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 The Debt?
- How does this short story by Edith Wharton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Realism first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Realism — The narrative is grounded in reality, focusing on the everyday experiences and struggles of its characters.
- Drama — The narrative is characterized by emotional and interpersonal conflicts, creating a dramatic tension.
- Social Critique — The narrative critiques societal norms and expectations, particularly those related to class and gender.
Tags
Novel · Romance · Drama · Family · Marriage · Debt · Money · Class · Social Status · Society · Upper Class · Wealth