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Edith Wharton's "bad heroine": Sophy Viner in 'The Reef.'

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From: Studies in the Novel
Date: 19930622
Author:Macnaughton, William R.

Sophy Viner in Edith Wharton's 'The Reef' has some features of the adventuress although she is largely interpreted as an innocent victim. The possible reasons for simplistic readings of Sophy's character are that she is not focalized and that she never expresses her thoughts directly. However, an analysis of the beginnings of her affair with George Darrow and her final meeting with Anna Leath suggest that Sophy may have engineered situations to suit herself. Her aspirations to become an actress are reflected in the roles she plays in response to her changing circumstances. Wharton has hinted ...

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