What are the notable features of 'The Mount Edith Wharton Ghost Stories'?

There are also servants in some of the stories. They play an interesting role as they might have their own superstitions and knowledge about the haunted places. Sometimes they are the ones who try to warn the main characters about the ghosts, but are often not believed.

One characteristic is the use of detailed settings. For example, in 'Afterward', the description of the house and its surroundings adds to the spooky mood.

The psychological aspect is a key feature. Her horror stories often delve into the minds of the characters, showing their fears, paranoia, and internal struggles. This makes the horror more relatable as it's not just about external monsters but also about the demons within. Also, her use of symbolism, like dark forests or locked rooms, helps to enhance the overall sense of horror.

One notable feature is her sharp social commentary. In her stories, she often reveals the complex social hierarchies and the restrictions placed on individuals, especially women, in the society of her time. For example, in some of her stories, she shows how a woman's reputation could be easily ruined by the smallest of missteps in a highly judgmental social environment.

One of the best is 'Afterward'. It's a chilling tale that plays with the idea of a haunting that becomes evident only 'afterward'. The sense of unease and the slow revelation of the supernatural elements make it a classic among her ghost stories.

Another interesting one is 'The Lady's Maid's Bell'. It creates a spooky atmosphere with its elements of the supernatural and the unknown. The story builds tension through the experiences of the maid who starts to notice strange happenings in the house.

Edith Wharton's ghost stories are known for their unique blend of psychological depth and the supernatural. Her use of setting, often in old, decaying mansions, adds to the eerie atmosphere. For example, in 'The Lady's Maid's Bell', the old house serves as a character in itself, with its creaking floors and hidden rooms contributing to the sense of mystery and the presence of the supernatural.

Edith Wharton's ghost stories are often characterized by a sense of unease and psychological depth. Her use of setting, such as old mansions and decaying estates, adds to the spooky atmosphere. For example, in 'The Lady's Maid's Bell', the old house with its hidden secrets creates a perfect backdrop for the ghostly encounters.

Edith Wharton's complete short novels are known for their deep insights into human relationships. She delves into the dynamics between family members, friends, and lovers. In her stories, we can see how jealousy, love, and loyalty play out. For instance, in certain novels, the love affairs are not just about passion but also about the power struggles between the parties involved. Her works also often reflect the cultural and moral values of the time period she was writing in, which gives readers a great understanding of that era.

Wharton's ghost stories also showed that the genre could be used to explore social and cultural issues. Through the use of the supernatural, she could comment on things like class differences, gender roles, and the power dynamics in society. This broadened the scope of what ghost stories could achieve and inspired other writers to do the same.