The Greater Inclination

"The Greater Inclination" by Edith Wharton is a collection of short stories that give insight into love, relationships, and how society viewed people in the late 1800s. The book begins with a young man named Danyers who is very interested in Mrs. Anerton, a mysterious woman connected to the famous poet Vincent Rendle. Danyers has always admired Rendle's poems, especially those about a woman named Silvia, who turns out to be Mrs. Anerton. Danyers really wants to get to know Mrs. Anerton, who has been living alone ever since Rendle died. The beginning of the novel captures Danyers' feelings for Mrs. Anerton, which are a mix of respect and a growing desire to understand her better.