Some of the themes that Wharton explored in her writing include:
- Social inequality: Wharton's work often examined the class divide and the plight of the less fortunate. In her novels The House of Mirth (1905) and The Custom of the Country (1913), she portrayed the struggles of women trapped by their social roles and economic dependence on men.
- Gender roles: Wharton's writing often challenged traditional gender norms. In her novels Ethan Frome (1911) and Summer (1917), she explored the plight of women who were denied self-expression and fulfillment in male-dominated society.
- Adultery and moral ambiguity: Wharton's characters were often caught in complex webs of marital infidelity and moral dilemmas. In her novels The Age of Innocence (1920) and The Reef (1912), she explored the blurred line between social convention and personal morality.
- Cultural identity and expatriation: Wharton's work also explored the experience of Americans living in Europe. In her novels The Valley of Decision (1902) and The Mother's Recompense (1925), she portrayed the tension between the old world and the new, and the challenges faced by those caught between different cultural identities.
Wharton's work is known for its psychological depth, social commentary, and elegant writing style. She was one of the first American writers to gain international acclaim, and her work continues to be widely read and studied.