1. Biography of Edith Wharton
For it deals not in the least, as to unapproachability, with things exalted or refined; it only confers on its sufficiently vulgar elements of exhibition a final unsurpassable form " (Norton Critical Edition, 414). ... The novel neither praises nor condemns the actions of the selfish, flighty, confused protagonist, but instead presents them with an ambiguous stance. ...
Moses allows us to understand his perception that Claudia's role as a storyteller is supported by the blues lyrics that punctuate the narrative at critical points, suggesting a folk knowledge mood. ... Cholly as a child was impressed by watching the father of a family's god-like stance raise a watermelon over his head to smash it on the ground and sees this example as the opposite of the unimpressive white image of God, as the white image is woefully inadequate for Cholly who at this time embraces his African heritage. ...