She had taken everything else from him, and now she meant to take the one thing that made up for it all

She had taken everything else from him, and now she meant to take the one thing that made up for it all

In the world of Edith Wharton's novels, the theme of loss and betrayal is a recurring motif. Characters often find themselves stripped of their possessions, their dignity, and their sense of self by those closest to them. In Wharton's works, the ultimate betrayal is often the loss of love or the destruction of a cherished relationship.

The quote "She had taken everything else from him, and now she meant to take the one thing that made up for it all" encapsulates this theme perfectly. It speaks to the idea of a character who has already suffered great losses at the hands of another, only to face the prospect of losing the one thing that has sustained them through it all.

In Wharton's novel "The Age of Innocence," the character of Newland Archer experiences this kind of betrayal. Throughout the novel, Newland is torn between his duty to his family and his desire for the unconventional Ellen Olenska. He sacrifices his own happiness and desires in order to conform to the expectations of society and his family. However, when Ellen decides to leave New York and return to Europe, Newland is faced with the prospect of losing the one person who has brought meaning and passion into his life.

The quote could also apply to Lily Bart, the tragic heroine of Wharton's novel "The House of Mirth." Lily is a beautiful and charming socialite who finds herself caught in a web of deceit and betrayal. She is manipulated and used by those around her, and ultimately loses everything she holds dear. The one thing that sustains Lily throughout her trials is her love for Lawrence Selden, a man who represents a chance at true happiness and freedom. When Lily is forced to choose between her love for Selden and her desire for social status, she faces the prospect of losing the one thing that has given her hope and purpose.