Twilight sleep

"Twilight Sleep," a novel by Edith Wharton published in 1927, critically examines the frivolous and morally superficial high society of New York during the Jazz Age. Centering on socialite Pauline Manford and her family, the narrative delves into their luxurious but hollow existence, filled with endless parties and a relentless quest for distraction. The title metaphorically reflects the characters' state of being, akin to a pain-free but semi-conscious anesthesia, oblivious to deeper truths. Wharton dissects themes such as adultery, divorce, and escapism through drugs and spiritualism, revealing the underlying emptiness of the Roaring Twenties' opulence. Her characters, complex and often flawed, showcase the contradictions of their seemingly polished society. With sharp wit and keen observation, Wharton's "Twilight Sleep" offers a piercing critique of the era's moral decay and the superficial pursuit of youth and beauty.

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Udgivelsesdato

E-bog: 19. februar 2025