After more than a century, the work of American writers Willa Cather, Sarah Orne Jewett, and Edith Wharton continues to be read, enjoyed, and critically acclaimed. In this class, we will explore their short stories in order to discuss the writing styles, character development, psychological themes, and insights present in their work. We will also examine their economic, social, and personal backgrounds, along with the expectations and limitations placed upon women writing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Format: Participants are requested to lead a 40-minute discussion on one of the short stories by either Cather, Jewett, or Wharton. A list of short stories will be sent to registered participants in advance of the first class.

Resources/Expenses: Participants will need to read short story collections by each of the writers. Recommended titles to purchase are: Edith Wharton: Collected Stories 1911 to 1937 (published by Library of America, 2001), Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett (published by Signet, 2009), Willa Cather, Collected Stories (published by Vintage Press, 1992). These books average about $19.00 each if purchased new on Amazon or from similar booksellers. Used copies can sometimes be found. In addition, each title is also available without charge through the Ocean State Libraries, the public library cooperative in Rhode Island.

Coordinator: Deborah Barchi worked as a director in several Rhode Island public libraries for 33 years, retiring in 2017 as Director of the Barrington Public Library. She has been a member of LLC for five years.