The Other Two

Compare and contrast Waythorn and Varick, focusing on their various meetings. Why is Waythorn envious of Varick? How is his attitude to Varick different from his attitude toward Haskett?

Much of the humor comes from the fact that this story is told from Waythorn’s point of view. How would the story (especially the humor) change if the story were told from Alice’s point of view? 

Wharton was fascinated by architecture and interior spaces. Describe some of these narrow interior spaces in the story. What effect do these public and private places have on the characters?

Waythorn fears appearing “womanish” (Part 3). Trace this anxiety throughout the story. What does it mean to be “womanish” in this story?

Edith Wharton was born Edith Jones. The phrase “keeping up with the Joneses” apparently is traced to her family’s well-established lineage. In what ways do the characters in “The Other Two” try to “keep up with the Joneses”?