Edith Wharton and Henry James, although 20 years apart in age, were the closest of friends. They shared their lives, their friends, and their literary careers. Henry James was seldom free with his praise, except for Edith. The only other close literary friendship James maintained was with Constance Fenimore Woolson, whose suicide was wrenching to him. This course will look closely at these friendships. We will read two very short novels by Henry James, Washington Square and Daisy Miller, along with The Custom of the Country and Summer by Edith Wharton. While studying these novels in class we will also be exploring the meaning of friendship.
Edith Wharton and Henry James, although 20 years apart in age, were the closest of friends. They shared their lives, their friends, and their literary careers. Henry James was seldom free with his praise, except for Edith. The only other close literary friendship James maintained was with Constance Fenimore Woolson, whose suicide was wrenching to him. This course will look closely at these friendships. We will read two very short novels by Henry James, Washington Square and Daisy Miller, along with The Custom of the Country and Summer by Edith Wharton. While studying these novels in class we will also be exploring the meaning of friendship.