Many of Wharton's novels are characterized by subtle use of dramatic irony. Having grown up in upper-class, late-19th-century society, Wharton became one of its most astute critics, in such works as The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence.
many of wharton's novels are characterized by subtle use of dramatic irony having grown up in upper-class late-19th-century society wharton became one of its most astute critics in such works as the house of mirth and the age of innocence