![]() ![]() Again, this points to the way Wharton uses intricate stylistic details to convey meaning at a subtextual level, embroidering subversion into her texts.Īfter a short break for tea and sandwiches, we reconvened to listen to Anna Girling (University of Edinburgh) and her search for Hibernian links to Wharton and her missing dog, Jules. By dressing Annabel in such borrowed ribbons Ally is inviting a wider comparison of the two characters. One particular example cited by Ahern was Ally taking inspiration when sewing Annabel’s new blouse from a similar garment worn by her prostitute sister. She explored the role of envy between Ally Hawes and Charity, the complex societal signalling of hierarchy communicated through costume and the subtle ways Ally expressed her disapproval. Katie Ahern (University College Cork) neatly developed the discussion on the significance of dress, with a specific focus on Summer and the causes of anxiety between the female characters. Her attention to stylish detail is far from mere frippery but rather an integral tool in her authorial arsenal. Boyd highlighted the way Wharton used her material cultural references to create specific historical context for her fiction. ![]() This was not the forest hut so many of us had envisaged, but rather an elegant, wood built structure with decorative plaster work and classical lines. We were all surprised to see the elegance of the old colonial style of the deserted building where Charity Royall and Lucius Harney played house in Summer. She demonstrated how Wharton used her stage dressing details to convey characterisation, citing the garish hotel suite of the Spraggs in The Custom of the Country. While best known as a novelist Wharton published across a full range of genres taking in poetry, drama, travel writing, memoirs, interior design manuals and architectural commentary during her prolific career.ĭr Ailsa Boyd (University of Glasgow) discussed the importance Wharton placed upon matters of style and dress. The Series founder, Dr Laura Rattray (Reader in American Literature, University of Glasgow) opened proceedings by reminding us of the impressive, and all too often overlooked, breadth of Wharton’s writings. Edith Wharton Workshop, Transatlantic Literary Women Series, University of Glasgow, 4 October 2017Īmong the first events of the new season of the Transatlantic Literary Women Series was an Edith Wharton workshop which was fittingly transatlantic and transnational in scope, welcoming participants from Scotland, England, Germany, China, Ireland and Canada. ![]()
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