# Edith Cortright — Dodsworth character guide

> Edith Cortright in Dodsworth by Sinclair Lewis.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Edith

**First appearance:** 0014-xiii

## Snapshot

A refined American widow in Venice who has traded Zenith for Europe and found it lovely but autumnal, longing for cornfields and a place of her own.

## Who they are

Edith Cortright is the counterweight to Fran: a woman who chose Europe deliberately and now sees its decay clearly. She offers Sam the unguarded conversation and unperformed warmth he has been starving for, and in doing so makes him imagine a life that is neither Fran's Europe nor a retreat to Zenith. Her honesty about her own compromises gives the middle of the novel its quiet moral center.

## Relationships

### [Sam Dodsworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/characters/sam_dodsworth)

_romantic_

A mature, genuine romantic connection that offers Sam emotional stability and true companionship after his marriage falters.

### [Fran Dodsworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/characters/fran_dodsworth)

_rivalry_

Tension and jealousy between Fran and Edith, as Edith becomes Sam's romantic interest after Fran's infidelity.

### [Fran Dodsworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/characters/fran_dodsworth)

_rivalry_

Tension and jealousy between Fran and Edith, as Edith becomes Sam's romantic interest after Fran's infidelity.

### [Sam Dodsworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/characters/sam_dodsworth)

_romantic_

A mature, genuine romantic connection that offers Sam emotional stability and true companionship after his marriage falters.

### [Sam Dodsworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/characters/sam_dodsworth)

_romantic_

A mature, genuine romantic connection that offers Sam emotional stability and true companionship after his marriage falters.

### [Fran Dodsworth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/characters/fran_dodsworth)

_rivalry_

Tension and jealousy between Fran and Edith, as Edith becomes Sam's romantic interest after Fran's infidelity.

## In the story

### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/ix)

Not present in this chapter.

### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/xxi)

Mentioned as a contrast to Fran; Sam compares Fran unfavorably to her.

### [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/xxxi)

Engages Sam in a thoughtful conversation about America, Europe, and the value of privacy; invites him to dinner but explains she cannot go gondola-riding without a chaperone.

### [XXXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/xxxii)

Edith hosts a tranquil dinner for Sam, revealing her own loneliness and lack of confidence beneath her poised exterior. Sam sees her as a 'great lady' and a contrast to Fran.

### [XXXIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/xxxiii)

Reads Fran's letter and invites Sam to Naples; shares her knowledge and experiences; discusses Sam's plans for caravan building and suburban villages; shows understanding and warmth.

### [XXXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/xxxiv)

Reveals a vigorous, outdoor side; discusses the European connection to earth versus American insulation; expresses openness to living in Zenith and creating native architecture.

### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/xxxv)

Passionately argues against Sam returning to Fran, revealing her deep feelings and fear for his well-being.

### [XXXVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/chapters/xxxvi)

Edith is mentioned in Sam's thoughts and receives his radio message, responding with an invitation to Venice.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/characters/edith_cortright
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/dodsworth_se/characters