The Valley of Decision

Name: The Valley of Decision
Author: Edith Wharton

The novel revolves around Ouida's struggles with her own identity and sense of belonging amidst the societal pressures of her wealthy family and the constraints of her gender. The story unfolds in the 1880s, where Ouida navigates a complex web of relationships, including her engagement to the affluent and influential John Merrill, while harboring deep feelings for his impoverished cousin, Fulvia. As Ouida grapples with her desires, loyalties, and moral obligations, she must confront the consequences of her choices and the societal expectations that threaten to suffocate her individuality.

By Edith Wharton · First published 1902 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama · 42 chapters · 175,780 words

First lines

Prima che incontro alla festosa fronte I lugubri suoi lampi il ver baleni.

It was very still in the small neglected chapel. The noises of the farm came faintly through closed doors -- voices shouting at the oxen in the lower fields, the querulous bark of the old house-dog, and Filomena's angry calls to the little white-faced foundling in the kitchen.

What this Textopian page supports

The Valley of Decision is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edith Wharton, dated 1902 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: 1902 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama, Social Critique
Length: 175,780 words
Structure: 42 chapters, 2,046 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

Good citation fit

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical period and explores the social and political conditions of that time.
Romance — The plot involves a love story between the main characters.
Drama — The narrative is characterized by conflict and emotion, focusing on the in-depth development of characters.
Social Critique — The narrative critiques the social norms and class structures of the time.