“The Valley of Decision” is a novel by Edith Wharton that explores the themes of love, class, and social mobility in 18th century America. Set in Pittsburgh, the story follows the Scott family as they navigate the changing landscape of industrialization and the tensions that arise between the working class and the wealthy elite. This article provides a summary of the novel’s plot and themes, highlighting Wharton’s masterful storytelling and insightful commentary on American society during this time period.
The Valley of Decision: A Summary of Edith Wharton’s Masterpiece
Edith Wharton’s novel, The Valley of Decision, is a masterpiece that explores the themes of love, class, and social mobility in the late 19th century. The story is set in the industrial city of Pittsburgh, where the wealthy and powerful Scott family resides. The protagonist, Marylynn, is a young Irish immigrant who works as a maid in the Scott household. Despite her lowly position, Marylynn catches the eye of Paul, the youngest son of the Scott family.
Their love story is complicated by the class divide between them and the disapproval of Paul’s family. Marylynn’s desire for social mobility clashes with Paul’s loyalty to his family and their expectations. As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a journey through the complexities of love and social status.
Wharton’s writing is masterful in its ability to capture the nuances of human emotion and the intricacies of social dynamics. The Valley of Decision is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of love, class, and social mobility in the late 19th century.
Setting and Background
The Valley of Decision is a novel by Edith Wharton that takes place in the late 19th century in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The setting is significant to the story as it is a city that was rapidly growing and changing during this time period. The novel explores the lives of two families, the Scotts and the Courtlands, who come from different social classes and have different values and beliefs. The Scotts are a wealthy family who own a steel mill, while the Courtlands are a working-class family who live in a small house near the mill. The novel delves into the themes of social class, love, and the struggle for power and control. The setting of Pittsburgh serves as a backdrop for these themes, as the city was a hub for industry and commerce during this time period. Wharton’s vivid descriptions of the city and its people provide a rich and detailed background for the story, making it a masterpiece of American literature.
Main Characters
The Valley of Decision features a cast of complex and compelling characters, each with their own motivations and desires. At the center of the story is the Scott family, who live in the industrial town of Pittsburgh during the late 19th century. The patriarch of the family, William Scott, is a wealthy steel magnate who has built his fortune through hard work and determination. His wife, Mary, is a devout Catholic who struggles to reconcile her faith with her husband’s ruthless business practices. Their children, Paul and Louise, are torn between their loyalty to their family and their desire for independence and love. As the story unfolds, the Scotts must navigate the challenges of love, loyalty, and social class in a rapidly changing world.
Plot Summary
The Valley of Decision is a novel written by Edith Wharton that explores the lives of two families in the late 19th century. The story is set in the city of Pittsburgh, where the Scotts and the Gwynnes reside. The Scotts are a wealthy family who own a steel mill, while the Gwynnes are their servants. The novel follows the lives of Mary and Paul Scott, the children of the Scott family, and William and Lizzie Gwynne, the children of the Gwynne family. As the story progresses, the lives of these two families become intertwined, and their relationships are tested by the social and economic changes that are taking place in the city. The novel is a powerful exploration of the themes of love, class, and social mobility, and it remains one of Wharton’s most enduring works.
Themes and Motifs
One of the prominent themes in Edith Wharton’s “The Valley of Decision” is the struggle between tradition and modernity. The novel is set in the late 19th century, a time when the industrial revolution was transforming society and challenging traditional values. The characters in the novel are caught between these two worlds, and their decisions reflect the tension between tradition and modernity. Another important theme is the role of women in society. The novel explores the limited options available to women at the time and the ways in which they were expected to conform to societal expectations. Wharton also uses motifs such as the contrast between the urban and rural settings to highlight the divide between tradition and modernity. The valley itself serves as a symbol of the characters’ struggle to find their place in a changing world.
Social Commentary
Edith Wharton’s “The Valley of Decision” is a masterpiece that delves into the complexities of social class and the impact it has on individuals. Set in the late 19th century in the industrial town of Pittsburgh, the novel follows the lives of two families, the Scotts and the Courtlands, who come from vastly different backgrounds. The Scotts are working-class immigrants who toil in the steel mills, while the Courtlands are wealthy aristocrats who live in a mansion on the hill.
Wharton’s novel is a scathing commentary on the social inequalities of the time, highlighting the vast divide between the haves and the have-nots. The Scotts are depicted as hardworking and honest, but they are constantly struggling to make ends meet. They are at the mercy of their employers, who exploit them for their labor and pay them meager wages. The Courtlands, on the other hand, live a life of luxury and privilege, insulated from the harsh realities of the world below.
Through her characters, Wharton exposes the hypocrisy of the upper class, who claim to be benevolent and charitable, but are really only interested in maintaining their own power and status. The Courtlands are portrayed as cold and indifferent to the suffering of others, while the Scotts are shown to be compassionate and empathetic, despite their own hardships.
Overall, “The Valley of Decision” is a powerful social commentary that still resonates today. It reminds us that the struggle for equality and justice is ongoing, and that we must continue to fight against the forces of oppression and inequality.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in Edith Wharton’s masterpiece, “The Valley of Decision.” The novel is filled with various symbols that represent different themes and ideas. One of the most prominent symbols in the book is the valley itself. The valley represents the divide between the rich and the poor, the old and the new, and the traditional and the modern. It is a physical representation of the social and economic barriers that exist in society. Another symbol in the book is the house of the Courtlands. The house represents the wealth and power of the Courtland family, but it also symbolizes the isolation and loneliness that comes with that wealth and power. The house is a metaphor for the characters’ emotional and psychological states. Overall, the use of symbolism in “The Valley of Decision” adds depth and complexity to the novel, making it a masterpiece of American literature.
Writing Style
Edith Wharton’s writing style in “The Valley of Decision” is characterized by its precision and attention to detail. She uses vivid descriptions to bring the setting and characters to life, and her prose is often elegant and sophisticated. Wharton also employs a third-person omniscient narrator, allowing the reader to see into the thoughts and motivations of multiple characters. This technique adds depth and complexity to the story, as the reader is able to understand the various perspectives and conflicts at play. Overall, Wharton’s writing style in “The Valley of Decision” is a masterful example of literary craftsmanship.
Critical Reception
The Valley of Decision has received mixed reviews from literary critics. Some have praised Wharton’s ability to capture the complexities of class and social hierarchy in turn-of-the-century America, while others have criticized the novel for its slow pacing and lack of action. Some have also noted the novel’s heavy use of dialect, which can be difficult for modern readers to understand. Despite these criticisms, The Valley of Decision remains a significant work in Wharton’s oeuvre and a valuable contribution to American literature.
Historical Context
Edith Wharton’s novel, The Valley of Decision, was published in 1902, during a time of great social and economic change in America. The country was experiencing rapid industrialization and urbanization, which led to the growth of a new middle class. This class was made up of people who had made their fortunes in industry and commerce, and who were eager to display their wealth through conspicuous consumption. At the same time, there was a growing awareness of the social problems that accompanied this new prosperity, such as poverty, inequality, and labor unrest. Wharton’s novel reflects these concerns, as it explores the lives of two families, one wealthy and one working-class, and the tensions that arise between them. The novel also reflects Wharton’s own background as a member of the old New York aristocracy, and her ambivalent feelings about the changes that were taking place in American society. Overall, The Valley of Decision is a powerful and insightful portrait of a society in transition, and it remains a classic of American literature to this day.
Gender Roles
In “The Valley of Decision,” Edith Wharton explores the rigid gender roles of the late 19th century. Women were expected to be obedient wives and mothers, while men were the breadwinners and decision-makers. The protagonist, Mary, struggles with these expectations as she falls in love with a man outside of her social class and must choose between her duty to her family and her own desires. Wharton’s portrayal of gender roles highlights the limitations placed on women during this time period and the consequences of defying societal norms.
Familial Relationships
In “The Valley of Decision,” Edith Wharton explores the complex dynamics of familial relationships. The novel centers around the struggles of the Scott family, who are torn apart by their differing values and ambitions. The patriarch, William Scott, is a successful businessman who values wealth and status above all else. His wife, Louisa, is more concerned with maintaining their social standing and ensuring their children marry into the right families. Their eldest son, Paul, is a sensitive artist who feels stifled by his family’s expectations, while their youngest daughter, Kate, is headstrong and determined to make her own way in the world. As the family members navigate their conflicting desires and loyalties, they must confront the consequences of their choices and the toll it takes on their relationships with one another. Wharton’s portrayal of the Scott family is a poignant reminder of the complexities of familial bonds and the challenges of reconciling individual desires with the expectations of those closest to us.
Class Divide
In “The Valley of Decision,” Edith Wharton explores the class divide that existed in the late 19th century. The novel is set in the industrial town of Pittsburgh, where the wealthy elite live in luxurious mansions on the hill while the working class toil in the factories below. Wharton portrays the stark contrast between these two worlds through the characters of Mary and Paul. Mary is the daughter of a wealthy steel magnate, while Paul is a worker in one of her father’s factories. Despite their different backgrounds, the two fall in love, but their relationship is met with disapproval from both sides of the class divide. Wharton’s novel highlights the social and economic inequalities that existed during this time period and the challenges faced by those who dared to cross the class divide.
Love and Marriage
In “The Valley of Decision,” Edith Wharton explores the complexities of love and marriage in the late 19th century. The novel follows the lives of two families, the Trents and the Glynn family, as they navigate the social and economic pressures of their time. At the heart of the story is the relationship between Mary Glynn and John Trent, two individuals from vastly different backgrounds who fall in love despite the obstacles in their way. Wharton’s portrayal of their relationship is both poignant and realistic, highlighting the challenges faced by couples in a society where class and wealth often determined one’s fate. Through Mary and John’s story, Wharton offers a nuanced commentary on the nature of love and the role of marriage in society, making “The Valley of Decision” a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.
Religion and Spirituality
Edith Wharton’s masterpiece, “The Valley of Decision,” explores the themes of religion and spirituality through the lens of the Scottish Presbyterian community in the late 19th century. The novel delves into the tensions between the strict religious beliefs of the community and the desires and aspirations of its members. The protagonist, Mary, struggles with her own spiritual beliefs as she navigates the expectations of her family and community. Wharton’s portrayal of the religious community highlights the complexities of faith and the challenges of reconciling personal beliefs with societal expectations. Through Mary’s journey, the novel raises important questions about the role of religion in shaping individual identity and the impact of religious communities on personal freedom and fulfillment.
Tragedy and Redemption
In “The Valley of Decision,” Edith Wharton explores the themes of tragedy and redemption through the lives of the two main characters, Mary and Kate. Mary, the daughter of a wealthy Pittsburgh family, falls in love with a poor Irish worker named Paul. Despite the disapproval of her family, Mary marries Paul and moves to his hometown in the steel mills of Pittsburgh.
However, their marriage is plagued by financial struggles and Paul’s alcoholism. Mary’s family disowns her, and she is left to fend for herself and her children. Kate, a wealthy socialite, befriends Mary and helps her through her struggles.
Through the characters of Mary and Kate, Wharton shows the contrast between the privileged and the working class. She also explores the idea of redemption through Kate’s actions towards Mary. Kate, who initially sees Mary as beneath her, learns to empathize with her and helps her in her time of need.
Overall, “The Valley of Decision” is a powerful exploration of the human experience, and the themes of tragedy and redemption are central to the novel’s message.
Legacy and Influence
Edith Wharton’s masterpiece, The Valley of Decision, has left a lasting legacy in the literary world. The novel, which explores the lives of two families in the late 19th century, has been praised for its vivid portrayal of the social and economic changes of the time. Wharton’s attention to detail and her ability to capture the nuances of human behavior have made her a revered figure in American literature.
The Valley of Decision has also had a significant influence on other writers. Many have cited Wharton as an inspiration for their own work, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was a close friend of Wharton’s. Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, which also explores the lives of the wealthy elite, has been compared to Wharton’s novel for its similar themes and style.
Beyond literature, The Valley of Decision has also had an impact on popular culture. The novel was adapted into a film in 1945, starring Greer Garson and Gregory Peck. The movie was a critical and commercial success, further cementing Wharton’s place in the cultural canon.
Overall, The Valley of Decision remains a beloved and influential work of literature. Its legacy can be seen in the continued admiration of Wharton’s writing, as well as in the many works that have been inspired by her groundbreaking novel.