“The Dilettante” by Edith Wharton is a short story first published in Harper’s Magazine in 1903, then was included in The Descent of Man and Other Stories in 1904.

Close on the heels of this short story collection, Wharton’s very successful first novel, The House of Mirth, was published in 1905, establishing her as a major figure in American literature.

The story centers around the relationship of Mrs. Vervain and Thursdale. Mrs. Vervain is in love with him, though he considers her just a friend (this possibly echoes some of Wharton’s own relationships with men). Read More→