# Epigraph explained — Hudson River Bracketed

> Chapter companion for Hudson River Bracketed by Edith Wharton.

## What happens

The epigraph juxtaposes a reflective sentiment from Charles Auchester with a historical note on A. J. Downing's classification of architectural styles, including 'Hudson River Bracketed,' which hints at the novel's thematic and geographical concerns.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and the American Landscape

The reference to Downing's landscape architecture and the 'Hudson River Bracketed' style evokes the American landscape and its integration with built forms.

## Key lines

> All things make me glad, and sorry too.

Everything brings me both joy and sorrow.

_This opening line from Charles Auchester sets a tone of bittersweet reflection._

> A. J. Downing, the American landscape architect, in his book on Landscape Gardening (published in 1842) divides the architectural styles into the Grecian, Chinese, Gothic, the Tuscan, or Italian villa, style, and the Hudson River Bracketed.

In his 1842 book 'Landscape Gardening,' A. J. Downing categorized architectural styles as Grecian, Chinese, Gothic, Tuscan (Italian villa), and Hudson River Bracketed.

_This historical note introduces the architectural term that gives the novel its title._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hudson_river_bracketed_se/chapters/epigraph
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hudson_river_bracketed_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/hudson_river_bracketed_se/chapters