Edith Wharton’s Ghost Stories And Gothic Tradition

Edith Wharton (1862-1937), a very crucial American woman writer, has received much concern from the literary critics since ever. In her twilight years, Wharton committed most of her energy to the creation of ghost stories. Compared to relatively complete and systematic appreciation and interpretation of Wharton’s ghost stories abroad, researches of Chinese scholars are rare. Previous foreign interpretations of Wharton’s ghost stories are conducted mainly from perspectives of feminism, modernism and psychoanalysis, but few intellectuals have specifically made researches about gothic elements, especially Edith Wharton’s inheritance and innovation to gothic tradition.Ghost, as a supernatural being, is a classic role in the Gothic tradition. The inheritance of Gothic tradition in Edith Wharton’s ghost stories is mainly reflected from three aspects:setting, character and theme. As for setting, mysterious and grotesque ruined buildings are regarded as common setting element; in terms of character, wretched heroines are the victims under the shackles of patriarchal society; revenge and revolt are the recurrent themes of Gothic fictions.However, Edith Wharton’s ghost stories are no way simple duplication of Gothic modes of Gothic tradition. Parody and intertextual practices are employed to elevate gothic literature to a new artistic height. Wharton utilizes the technique of parody to raise subversive issues of early twentieth century European countries and America. Besides, many classic Gothic plot and characterization are multiplied and magnified in her ghost tales. Horror atmosphere and recurrent themes are amplified by way of intertextuality.On one hand, Edith Wharton’s ghost stories inherit traditional Gothic elements; On the other hand, many literary devices are applied to break the boundaries of the Gothic tradition. Social issues, such as economic and class segmentation, sexual politics have become the focus of ghost fictions. The employment of parody, intertextuality, and symbolism will provide new tools for further literary posterity and play a certain role in the continuation and development of the Gothic literary tradition.