Introduction: “The Other Two” by Edith Wharton
“The Other Two” by Edith Wharton was published in the magazine Scribner’s in March 1904, and later included it in her collection of short stories titled “The Descent of Man and Other Stories” in 1904. Critics received the story well upon publication, and it has since become one of Wharton’s most popular and frequently anthologized works. The story’s sharp and witty satire of New York high society offers insight into the complexities of modern marriage and the shifting gender roles of the early 20th century, earning it acclaim among readers and scholars alike.
Main Events in “The Other Two” by Edith Wharton
- Waythorn’s New Marriage, Alice’s Complex Past: Waythorn, a successful man, marries Alice, a twice-divorced woman. The couple navigates the social complexities arising from her previous marriages.
- Haskett Reemerges, Lily’s Illness: Alice’s first ex-husband, Mr. Haskett, reappears due to their daughter Lily’s illness. Haskett’s social and financial standing have declined since their divorce.
- Business Entangles Varick: Waythorn discovers a business connection with Alice’s second ex-husband, Mr. Varick, whose wealth and social standing have significantly risen.
- Awkward Integration: New York high society finds a way to seamlessly include Waythorn, Alice, and both ex-husbands at social events, easing potential awkwardness.
- Waythorn’s Growing Discomfort: Waythorn feels increasingly unsettled and jealous as his wife politely interacts with her former husbands.
- Alice’s Shifting Perspective: Alice, influenced by Waythorn’s discomfort, begins to see her history as others might: a series of husbands leading to her current, possibly preferable, position. She questions her role in her own past.
- Lily’s New Life: Alice observes her daughter Lily, now Mrs. Varick, and even witnesses a tender moment between Lily and her young daughter.
- Confrontation and Appeasement: Waythorn’s insecurities boil over, leading to a confrontation with Alice. Choosing to appease him, she aims to distance herself from her ex-husbands.
- The Machinery of Society: Alice acutely observes the rigid social expectations dictating behavior. While accepting her place within this structure, she also senses an inner detachment.
- Waythorn as the Potential Outsider: In a moment of bleak clarity, Alice envisions the possibility that Waythorn himself might one day become a mere “other” in her life, foreshadowing a potentially repeating pattern.
Literary Devices in “The Other Two” by Edith Wharton
| Literary Device | Definition | Example from “The Other Two” |
| Dramatic Irony | The audience knows something the characters don’t, creating tension. | Alice is unaware of Waythorn’s past marriages, while the reader knows. |
| Situational Irony | A contradiction between expectations and reality. | Alice, a twice-divorced woman, is more socially acceptable than her financially unstable or socially declined ex-husbands. |
| Foreshadowing | Hints at future plot developments or thematic ideas. | The portraits of Waythorn’s ex-wives foreshadow their presence in his and Alice’s life. |
| Satire | The use of humor or ridicule to expose society’s flaws. | Wharton mocks the ease with which society integrates Alice with her ex-husbands, highlighting the absurdity of social rules. |
| Symbolism | Objects or events representing deeper meanings. | The ex-wives’ portraits symbolize the inescapable hold of past relationships. |
| Metaphor | Implicit comparison between unlike things. | Alice compares herself to a “mouse between two traps,” illustrating her feeling of being caught. |
| Imagery | Using sensory language for vividness and atmosphere. | Alice’s wedding dress being described as “clinging” subtly suggests discomfort within her marriage. |
| Characterization | Techniques to reveal a character’s personality. | Wharton reveals Waythorn’s insecurities through his subtle actions and controlling behavior, even when his words express confidence. |
| Point of View | The narrative perspective (often 1st or 3rd person) | The story is told through Alice’s limited third-person perspective, revealing the central irony of the narrative. |
| Tone | Author’s attitude toward the subject, conveyed through writing style. | Wharton’s detached and subtly mocking tone creates a sense of satire and irony. |
| Allegory | Story with symbolic characters and events representing broader ideas. | The story can be interpreted as an allegory about societal constraints on women and the lingering impact of the past. |
| Allusion | An indirect reference to another text or idea. | The story subtly alludes to the biblical story of King Solomon, where judgment must be made about rightful ownership. |
| Setting | Time and place of the story, influencing events and themes. | New York high society in the early 1900s underscores the story’s themes of rigid social norms and the evolving position of women. |
| Theme | Central ideas explored within the narrative. | Key themes include jealousy, the complexities of marriage, and societal power imbalances. |
| Mood | The emotional atmosphere a story creates for the reader. | A subtle sense of unease and constriction mirrors Alice’s growing discomfort. |
Characterization in “The Other Two” by Edith Wharton
Major Characters
- Alice Waythorn (née Haskett, then Varick): The protagonist, whose perspective we see the story through. Her characterization is nuanced:
- Adaptive: Alice navigates complex social situations with a degree of grace, initially showing little outward resentment towards her ex-husbands.
- Observant: She is a keen observer of dynamics between people, exemplified by her interpretations of Lily and Varick’s marriage.
- Internally Conflicted: Her shifting self-perception is the story’s central conflict. She moves from seeing herself as a desirable, modern woman to questioning her role as a wife seemingly passed from one husband to the next.
- Passive Acceptance: Ultimately, Alice resigns herself to her place in the social structure, highlighting the limited choices available to women of her time.
- Waythorn: Alice’s current husband, defined by anxieties and conventional views:
- Insecure: His discomfort with Alice’s ex-husbands exposes deep insecurities about their past relationship and his own place in her life.
- Controlling: He attempts to manage Alice’s social interactions, revealing a desire for control within their marriage.
- Socially Conforming: Waythorn is bound by social customs, demonstrating a lack of individual depth. He sees the situation superficially, while Alice experiences its true emotional complexities.
- Foreshadowing His Own Fate: Waythorn hints that he, too, might eventually become one of the “other” ex-husbands, suggesting a repeating pattern in Alice’s life.
Minor Characters
- Mr. Haskett: Alice’s first ex-husband. He is characterized by decline:
- Diminished Status: His societal and financial standing are lower after his divorce from Alice, highlighting how divorce affects men and women differently.
- Paternal Concern: Despite changed circumstances, he shows genuine affection for Lily, their daughter.
- Mr. Varick: Alice’s second ex-husband, characterized by opportunistic success:
- Upward Social Mobility: Varick has thrived since his divorce from Alice, representing the potential some men have to reinvent themselves.
- Superficial Charm: He appears socially adept, but his interactions with Alice and especially Lily suggest an underlying shallowness.
- Lily: Alice’s daughter with Haskett, now Mrs. Varick.
- Product of Circumstance: Lily is less a developed character and more a symbol of how children become tied to complex family dynamics as they grow.
- Potential for Repetition: Alice’s observations of Lily’s marriage subtly hint at the potential for Lily to one day find herself in a situation similar to her mother’s.
The Power of Omission:
It’s also important to note that Wharton uses what she doesn’t tell us to build character. We never learn the reasons for Alice’s divorces, or Waythorn’s past loves. This keeps the focus on how others’ perceptions shape identity, particularly for women in this social setting.
Major Themes in “The Other Two” by Edith Wharton
| Theme | Explanation | Examples from “The Other Two” |
| Social Expectations and Constraints | Societal norms dictate individual behavior, particularly for women. | * Alice gracefully accepts interactions with her ex-husbands, conforming to social expectations despite inner discomfort. * Waythorn’s anxieties stem from how Alice’s past reflects on him in the eyes of society. |
| Marriage and Gender Roles | The story explores imbalances of power and changing roles within marriage, particularly at the turn of the 20th century. | * Waythorn’s jealousy and possessiveness highlight traditional views of women as belonging to their husbands. * Alice’s internal struggle reflects evolving ideas of female independence and the limits imposed by social conventions. |
| The Past’s Influence on the Present | Past relationships and experiences linger, shaping how we see ourselves and present relationships. | * Alice begins to view her own prior marriages in the negative way she imagines others perceive them. * The portraits of Waythorn’s ex-wives serve as constant reminders of past attachments. |
| Identity and Self-Perception | External forces and social roles can distort and overwrite a person’s sense of self. | * Alice’s initial self-image as a desirable modern woman shifts to feeling like a commodity passed between husbands. * Waythorn’s confidence masks deep-seated insecurities about his place in Alice’s life. |
| Social Machinery | Individuals are pawns in a rigid social system perpetuating itself, prioritizing appearances over genuine connection. | * Alice comes to accept her role as a cog in the social machine, ultimately choosing conformity. * The story suggests the potential of a repetitive cycle, with Waythorn possibly becoming one of Alice’s “other” husbands in the future. |
Writing Style in “The Other Two” by Edith Wharton
- Precision of Language: Wharton employs carefully chosen words and precise sentence structures to convey nuanced meanings.
- Example: Note the contrasting descriptions of Haskett’s old tie held by a “worn elastic” versus Waythorn’s elegantly cut attire emphasizing class distinctions.
- Vivid Imagery: Wharton creates striking descriptions appealing to the senses, enhancing the setting and character portrayal.
- Example: Alice’s “clinging” wedding dress (instead of flowing) subtly foreshadows a less-than-ideal marital situation.
- Satire & Irony: Wharton uses humor, mockery, and contradiction to expose the hypocrisy of high society.
- Example: The social ease with which Alice, her ex-husbands, and Waythorn coexist highlights the absurdity of societal conventions.
- Insightful Commentary: Wharton’s observations about societal norms and human behavior are sharp and thought-provoking.
- Example: Waythorn’s discomfort reveals not just jealousy, but the male ego’s fragility when a woman’s past doesn’t disappear as society dictates it should.
- Complex Characterization: Wharton delves into the inner lives of characters, revealing motivations, contradictions, and the influence of social forces upon them.
- Example: Alice’s shifting self-perception is the story’s central conflict, not the outward tensions between her and Waythorn.
- Nuanced Thematic Exploration: Wharton’s style allows for subtle exploration of themes like societal expectations, power dynamics within marriage, and the impact of the past.
- Example: Alice isn’t actively rebellious, demonstrating how restrictions can be internalized, making her a more complex figure than a feminist manifesto would allow.
Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Other Two” by Edith Wharton
| Literary Theory | Key Focus | Interpretation of “The Other Two” |
| Feminist Criticism | Gender roles, power imbalances, and how women are represented within literature. | * Alice’s internal struggle to reconcile her past with society’s expectations of a wife highlights constraints placed on women. * The contrasting portrayals of Alice’s ex-husbands (one declined, one risen) reveals the double-standard impact of divorce on men versus women. |
| Marxist Criticism | Class conflict, economic inequality, and how they shape social structures and relationships. | * Haskett’s decline in status compared to the wealthy Varick reveals the harsh economic realities faced by some men after divorce. * Wharton subtly critiques the materialism of high society, where appearances hold power over genuine connection. |
| Psychoanalytic Criticism | Unconscious desires, motivations, and how repressed experiences influence behavior. | * Waythorn’s insecurities about Alice’s ex-husbands may stem from deeper anxieties about his own place in her affections. * Alice’s shifting self-perception suggests unconscious fears of never fully escaping her past and the roles society assigns her. |
| New Historicism | Examining literature in its historical context to understand cultural influences on the text and its interpretations. | * The story’s focus on marriage and social norms at the turn of the 20th century reflects changing gender roles and the anxieties this stirred at the time. * Acknowledging Wharton’s own complex position within upper-class society adds layers to her portrayal of its flaws. |
| Reader-Response Theory | The reader’s experiences and interpretations shape the text’s meaning. | * Modern readers may view Alice as either a victim of circumstances or a woman complicit in maintaining social constraints. * The story’s open-ended conclusion allows for multiple interpretations about Alice’s future and whether the cycle of “other” husbands will repeat. |
Questions and Thesis Statements about “The Other Two” by Edith Wharton
Broad Topics
- Social Expectations & Marriage: Marriage dynamics and societal pressure in Wharton’s era
- Gender & Power: How gender roles influence characters’ behavior and societal acceptance
- Past vs. Present: The lingering influence of past relationships on current identities and perceptions
- Satire & Social Critique: Wharton’s satirization of upper-class norms and values
Questions for Analysis
- Symbolism of the Portraits: How do the portraits of Waythorn’s ex-wives symbolize themes of the past and its influence?
- Alice as Observer: Does Alice’s role as a keen observer make her a passive or active participant in her own life?
- Ambiguous Ending: What does the final scene suggest about Alice’s future choices and potential repetitions within her life?
- Comparison to Other Wharton Works: How does “The Other Two” fit with Wharton’s broader themes (e.g., societal criticism, women’s constrained lives)?
Thesis Statement Examples
- Societal Constraints: Edith Wharton’s “The Other Two” reveals how rigid social expectations force Alice into a passive role, ultimately leading her to accept the limitations imposed on women.
- Marriage as a Transaction: In “The Other Two,” Wharton critiques early 20th-century marriage as a social and economic transaction focused on appearance, where past relationships continue to hold power.
- Power of Perspective: “The Other Two” highlights the dissonance between external appearances and internal turmoil, as Alice’s shifting perspective challenges the reader’s initial judgments of the characters.
- The Inescapability of the Past: Through symbolism and character interactions, Wharton’s “The Other Two” suggests that past experiences linger and inevitably shape our understanding of present relationships.
Short Question-Answer about “The Other Two” by Edith Wharton
| Question | Answer |
| How does Alice initially view her past marriages? | Initially, Alice displays a sense of composure about her past marriages, masking any lingering emotional complexities. She demonstrates this through polite interactions with Haskett and Varick. Yet, subtle details like her discomfort upon encountering Haskett’s worn clothes or her unsettling scrutiny of Lily’s marriage to Varick hint at a deeper, unspoken impact. |
| Why does Waythorn feel insecure? | Waythorn’s insecurity stems from both societal expectations and a fear of being overshadowed by Alice’s past. Socially, his concern is how Alice’s prior husbands reflect on his position. This is seen in his need to navigate the business connections with Varick. His deeper personal fear is hinted at by his subtle fidgeting and controlling behavior, showcasing a vulnerability and an internalized sense of not being enough compared to the men Alice chose before him. |
| What is the significance of the story’s setting? | Wharton’s choice of New York high society during the turn of the 20th century intensifies the story’s exploration of rigid gender roles and social constraints. This setting highlights Alice’s limited options despite her modern outlook. Waythorn’s anxieties are amplified in the context where appearances and reputation matter deeply and where men traditionally hold more power within marriages. |
| How does the story’s ending create ambiguity? | The ending’s ambiguity lies in Alice’s uneasy acceptance of her situation. Her brief encounter with Waythorn reveals a strained detachment between them. Her final realization of being part of a relentless social mechanism could be interpreted as her embracing conformity or, more chillingly, surrendering to her lack of control over her own life. This uncertainty invites multiple reader interpretations about Alice’s ultimate fate. |
Literary Works Similar to “The Other Two” by Edith Wharton
- Novels by Edith Wharton:
- The Age of Innocence: Explores themes of social conformity, constrained romantic desires, and the disillusionment experienced within marriages.
- The House of Mirth: Critiques the materialism and hypocrisy of wealthy society, with a female protagonist trapped by social expectations and facing grim consequences.
- The Custom of the Country: Portrays a female social climber, highlighting manipulations within marriage and the pursuit of status.
- Other Authors with Similar Themes:
- Henry James: Novels like “The Portrait of a Lady” and “Washington Square” often depict women navigating complex social expectations and the limitations of traditional marriage roles.
- Jane Austen: While Austen’s tone is lighter, her novels like “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility” also explore themes of marriage as a social and economic transaction, particularly for women.
- Theodore Dreiser: Novels like “Sister Carrie” examine the harsh realities of class and gender in America, sometimes showcasing the compromises women make for security or advancement.
- Beyond Novels:
- Short Stories: Authors like Kate Chopin (“The Story of an Hour”) or Charlotte Perkins Gilman (“The Yellow Wallpaper”) also wrote short fiction exploring women’s discontent and societal restrictions.
- Plays: Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” famously depicts a woman confronting societal expectations within marriage, offering a possible parallel to the subtler conflicts in Alice’s situation.
Suggested Readings: “The Other Two” by Edith Wharton
Scholarly Articles
- Ammons, Elizabeth. “Edith Wharton and the Issue of Race.” The Cambridge Companion to Edith Wharton. Ed. Millicent Bell. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995. 68-86.
- Offers a critical lens on racial and class dynamics within Wharton’s work. This can uncover additional layers to the social complexities depicted in “The Other Two.”
- Bendixen, Alfred, and Annette Zilversmit. “Edith Wharton and the Vulgarisation of Taste.” Edith Wharton: New Critical Essays. Ed. Alfred Bendixen and Annette Zilversmit. New York: Palgrave, 1992. 77-93.
- Explores Wharton’s satirical treatment of status obsession within Gilded Age society, illuminating a central theme of the story.
- Singley, Carol J. “Edith Wharton: Matters of Mind and Spirit.” The Cambridge Companion to Edith Wharton. Ed. Millicent Bell. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995. 110-134.
- Provides a comprehensive analysis of recurring thematic preoccupations in Wharton’s writing, applicable to a nuanced reading of “The Other Two.”
Websites
- The Edith Wharton Society: https://edithwhartonsociety.wordpress.com/
- A reputable resource hub with scholarly articles, news, and discussions on Wharton’s work.
Monographs (Books)
- Ammons, Elizabeth. Edith Wharton’s Argument with America. Athens, Georgia: University of Georgia Press, 1980.
- A seminal work exploring Wharton’s critical stance towards American culture and values, relevant to the social critique embedded in “The Other Two.”
- Lewis, R.W.B. Edith Wharton: A Biography. New York: Harper and Row, 1975.
- A foundational biographical work providing context and insight into Wharton’s life and the influences shaping her writing.
