The Other Two (short story)
"The Other Two" is a short story by Edith Wharton, originally published in Collier’s Weekly on February 13, 1904. It is considered by some critics to be among her best short fiction.[1] Wharton explores themes of marriage, divorce, and social class through the perspective of businessman Mr. Waythorn, shortly after his marriage to the twice-divorced Alice. The story centers on Waythorn's evolving perspective as he encounters both of Alice's former husbands.
Plot Summary
[edit]The story follows Mr. Waythorn, recently married to Alice, a woman with two previous marriages. Waythorn's initial acceptance of Alice's past is challenged when he is forced to interact with her former husbands, Mr. Haskett and Mr. Varick.
Their honeymoon is cut short by the illness of Alice's daughter, Lily, from her first marriage to Mr. Haskett. Haskett's involvement in Lily's life necessitates his presence in the Waythorns' home. Later, Waythorn encounters Varick through business dealings, leading to a professional relationship. These interactions with Alice's former husbands alter Waythorn's perception of his wife, revealing her adaptability and the complexities of her past relationships. He observes how she has adjusted her personality to suit each husband, unsettling him.
The story culminates in a chance encounter between Waythorn, Alice, and both ex-husbands. This awkward situation forces Waythorn to confront the reality of Alice's past and the intricacies of human relationships. "The Other Two" examines the complexities of marriage, divorce, and the challenges of accepting a partner's history, as well as the ways individuals adapt within relationships.
| Author | Edith Wharton |
|---|---|
Publication date | February 13, 1904 |
Setting
[edit]"The Other Two" is set in upper-class New York City society during the early 1900s, specifically the end of the Gilded Age. The Waythorns' luxurious home serves as a backdrop, reflecting the era's opulence. The story's setting in a period when divorce carried social stigma underscores the societal pressures faced by the characters. This period saw rapid urbanization, industrialization, and economic growth, leading to the rise of elite upper-class neighborhoods in urban centers.
Character summaries
[edit]- Mr. Waythorn: Alice's current husband and the story's narrator. A successful businessman, likely from an upper-class background, he initially appears somewhat naive about Alice's past. His perspective on Alice shifts throughout the story as he interacts with her ex-husbands.
- Alice Waythorn: A twice-divorced woman recently married to Mr. Waythorn. She is the mother of Lily Haskett and possesses social grace and adaptability. However, Waythorn's perception of her changes as he learns more about her past marriages.
- Mr. Gus Varick: Alice's second husband, also a successful businessman. His conversation with Waythorn about his past financial struggles hints at the complexities of his relationship with Alice.
- Mr. Haskett: Alice's first husband and Lily's father. Initially portrayed as somewhat unsophisticated, Haskett reveals himself to be a devoted and protective father.
- Lily Haskett: Daughter of Alice and Mr. Haskett. Her illness triggers events that bring Haskett back into Alice's life.
- Mr. Sellers: Waythorn's senior business partner. His absence facilitates the meeting between Waythorn and Varick.
Themes
[edit]Marriage and fidelity
[edit]The story explores the complexities of marriage and fidelity in the context of divorce and remarriage. Waythorn's initial attraction to Alice's "unperturbed gaiety"[2] is challenged by the intrusion of her past relationships.
Social class and status
[edit]Alice's ability to secure a third husband despite two prior divorces highlights the significance of social class and status in turn-of-the-century New York. Her "New York divorces" are described as "a diploma of virtue,"[2] suggesting the role of wealth and social connections in mitigating social stigma.
Isolation
[edit]The story examines the emotional isolation experienced by the characters as they navigate the complexities of their relationships. Waythorn's increasing discomfort in his own home due to Haskett's presence underscores this theme.[2] The characters also grapple with their individual feelings of isolation as they form new and unexpected relationships.[3]
Reception and Literary Criticism
[edit]Published a year before The House of Mirth,[4] "The Other Two" further solidified Wharton's reputation for insightful portrayals of marriage, gender roles, and societal issues. The story resonated with contemporary audiences due to its relatable themes.
Gerard M. Sweeney examined the often-overlooked relationship between Alice and Lily, analyzing the impact of Lily's illness on their dynamic.[5] Paul R. Petrie explored the feminist aspects of the story, arguing that Wharton's use of a male narrator grants male characters authority while subtly critiquing patriarchal structures.[6][7] Donna Campbell analyzed "The Other Two" through the lens of ghost story structure, highlighting the story's comedic elements derived from its social situations.[8][9]
References
[edit]- ^ "Edith Wharton, "The Other Two"". Library of America. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ a b c Wharton, Edith (1904). The Other Two. Collier's Weekly.
- ^ Kiran-Raw, Meltem (2009-12-31). "Edith Wharton's THE OTHER TWO". The Explicator. 68 (1): 39–42. doi:10.1080/00144940903423386. ISSN 0014-4940.
- ^ "Chronology". The Edith Wharton Society. 2013-07-17. Retrieved 2024-11-11.
- ^ Sweeney, Gerard M. (2001). "Wharton's The Other Two". The Explicator. 59 (2): 88–91. doi:10.1080/00144940109597094. ProQuest 216776644.
- ^ Petrie, Paul R. (September 2009). "'Fantastic Effigy': The Masculine Construction of Womanhood in Edith Wharton's 'The Other Two.'". The Philological Review. 35 (2): 13–39.
- ^ "Paul Petrie". Southern Connecticut State University. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
- ^ Campbell, Donna (2013). "The Ghost Story as Structure in Edith Wharton's THE OTHER TWO". The Explicator. 71 (1): 69–72. doi:10.1080/00144940.2013.764837.
- ^ "Complete Works of Edith Wharton". Wharton Complete Works. 28 September 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2024.