Chapters 13-14 Book II
If there's one thing I hate (which there are many I guess) it's when books or movies do NOT have happy endings...or even bearable endings! Wharton's The House of Mirth had one of the most bitter-sweet endings ever. I still can't believe Lily died. Had I known this a couple chapters ago, I would have readily testified that she had purposefully taken too much chloral in order to forever escape her miseries. But it seems now that it must have been a tragic but honest mistake. I feel like Lily had found a new sense of hope in her future after witnessing how Nettie Struther and her family had survived despite unfavorable odds. Lily had hope. She had courage. She was to see her love the next day. I believe Selden is comforted by two things at the end of this novel. One: I think he felt that Lily had been more at peace with herself than ever before before she died. He also took comfort in the fact that "at least he had loved her -- had been willing to stake his future on his faith in her" (Wharton, 267-268). I don't know how Selden will go on living, knowing that the only thing that really stood between himself and his love, Lily, was fear.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Chapters 11-12 Book II
I could barely keep up with the ups and downs of these two chapters of Wharton's The House of Mirth. After Lily got fired from her job as a secretary, I realized something. Lily's parents, mostly her mother, had kind of set Lily up for failure later on in life. Her mother instilled in Lily the unwavering confidence that her beauty alone would be her salvation. All her life, Lily had been told to smile and please others, and she became accustomed to, from these actions, acquiring whatever she desired. Her mother had never taught her that she needed to work for things she desired, if need be. Lily "had been fashioned to adorn and delight" (Wharton, 245). She knew how to be pretty. She knew what to say and how to conduct herself in order to please others. I think she has finally realized that, with her difficult circumstances, it might take MORE than a pretty smile to keep her afloat. It broke my heart when Lily cried at Shelden's advice. I wish so much that they could just trust their love and get married already. But, seeing as I'm nearly to the end of the book, I don't see this story wrapping up with a happy ending.
I could barely keep up with the ups and downs of these two chapters of Wharton's The House of Mirth. After Lily got fired from her job as a secretary, I realized something. Lily's parents, mostly her mother, had kind of set Lily up for failure later on in life. Her mother instilled in Lily the unwavering confidence that her beauty alone would be her salvation. All her life, Lily had been told to smile and please others, and she became accustomed to, from these actions, acquiring whatever she desired. Her mother had never taught her that she needed to work for things she desired, if need be. Lily "had been fashioned to adorn and delight" (Wharton, 245). She knew how to be pretty. She knew what to say and how to conduct herself in order to please others. I think she has finally realized that, with her difficult circumstances, it might take MORE than a pretty smile to keep her afloat. It broke my heart when Lily cried at Shelden's advice. I wish so much that they could just trust their love and get married already. But, seeing as I'm nearly to the end of the book, I don't see this story wrapping up with a happy ending.
Chapters 9-10 Book II
I feel like it's Lily's own fault that she's so miserable all the time. If she just prioritized better...I don't care how she was raised or what she was taught to care about. At some point you'd think she would realize that she just might have to change her thoughts on life! She wants money, nice things, a fancy house, no responsibilities, and a rich husband. She's actually starting to work as a secretary to get some money for herself. Lily is still frustrating me so much though. If only she could swallow her own pride. She is in love with a man (Selden), but will not consent to marrying him purely due to the fact that he is not well-off financially. Her own pettiness overshadows every other good quality about her. Although it says in Wharton's The House of Mirth that "She was very near hating him now..." (Wharton, 225), it is so clear that she is still, and probably always will be, in love with Lawrence Selden.
I feel like it's Lily's own fault that she's so miserable all the time. If she just prioritized better...I don't care how she was raised or what she was taught to care about. At some point you'd think she would realize that she just might have to change her thoughts on life! She wants money, nice things, a fancy house, no responsibilities, and a rich husband. She's actually starting to work as a secretary to get some money for herself. Lily is still frustrating me so much though. If only she could swallow her own pride. She is in love with a man (Selden), but will not consent to marrying him purely due to the fact that he is not well-off financially. Her own pettiness overshadows every other good quality about her. Although it says in Wharton's The House of Mirth that "She was very near hating him now..." (Wharton, 225), it is so clear that she is still, and probably always will be, in love with Lawrence Selden.
Chapters 7-8 Book II
How can you marry someone you know you will never love, just for financial security and as revenge to an enemy. It seems that in the time of Wharton's The House of Mirth nearly all marriages were strictly business and strategic. It reminds me so much of two of my favorite movies, Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. The young women in both of these worried a great deal about marrying into money; how else were they to survive? But, being the helpless romantic that she is, Miss Jane Austin ended up providing both groups of sisters with husbands they truly loved and cared about. I have a strong feeling that won't be the case for Lily. "As the wife of Rosedale -- the Rosedale she felt it in her power to create -- she would at least present an invulnerable front to her enemy" (Wharton, 205). That doesn't sound like a passionate and promising start of a possible engagement.
How can Rosedale, after pretty much threatening Lily the entire book, just insult her by saying that marrying her would ruin everything he'd ever worked for? And how is Lily supposed to use the letters against Bertha? Her husband has already been shown that she in an unfaithful flirt.
How can you marry someone you know you will never love, just for financial security and as revenge to an enemy. It seems that in the time of Wharton's The House of Mirth nearly all marriages were strictly business and strategic. It reminds me so much of two of my favorite movies, Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. The young women in both of these worried a great deal about marrying into money; how else were they to survive? But, being the helpless romantic that she is, Miss Jane Austin ended up providing both groups of sisters with husbands they truly loved and cared about. I have a strong feeling that won't be the case for Lily. "As the wife of Rosedale -- the Rosedale she felt it in her power to create -- she would at least present an invulnerable front to her enemy" (Wharton, 205). That doesn't sound like a passionate and promising start of a possible engagement.
How can Rosedale, after pretty much threatening Lily the entire book, just insult her by saying that marrying her would ruin everything he'd ever worked for? And how is Lily supposed to use the letters against Bertha? Her husband has already been shown that she in an unfaithful flirt.
Chapters 5-6 Book II
These couple chapters of Wharton's The House of Mirth were, in a way, Lily's saving grace. A new set of minor characters in the form of Mattie Gormer and her party were introduced. Lily desperately needed to be around a new group. She needed a clean slate; to be around people who knew nothing of her past, just her present, pleasant self. Lily was in her prime once more in these chapters. The new party she was with allowed her to go back to her old ways of confidence and the art of pleasing all around her. I personally liked the women of this group much better than Lily's last choice of "friends". They seemed less shallow and judgemental, and accepted Lily into their group without question; it was an act of acceptance which Lily desperately needed.
But, as always, money and marriage are Lily's main problems, and she cannot easily escape them. "'Beat about the question as she would, she knew the outcome of it was that she must try to marry Rosedale'" (Wharton, 200). For Lily, marrying Rosedale would end her worries about everything...but will she really be able to bring herself to it?
These couple chapters of Wharton's The House of Mirth were, in a way, Lily's saving grace. A new set of minor characters in the form of Mattie Gormer and her party were introduced. Lily desperately needed to be around a new group. She needed a clean slate; to be around people who knew nothing of her past, just her present, pleasant self. Lily was in her prime once more in these chapters. The new party she was with allowed her to go back to her old ways of confidence and the art of pleasing all around her. I personally liked the women of this group much better than Lily's last choice of "friends". They seemed less shallow and judgemental, and accepted Lily into their group without question; it was an act of acceptance which Lily desperately needed.
But, as always, money and marriage are Lily's main problems, and she cannot easily escape them. "'Beat about the question as she would, she knew the outcome of it was that she must try to marry Rosedale'" (Wharton, 200). For Lily, marrying Rosedale would end her worries about everything...but will she really be able to bring herself to it?
Chapters 3-4 Book II
As the book goes on, I find myself being able to relate more and more to different aspects of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth. When Gerty asks Lily at one point how she could possibly be laughing about such a dreadful situation, Lily responds, "'So as not to weep, perhaps'" (Wharton, 182). It reminded me of some lyrics to the Bare Naked Ladies song that says, "I'm the kind of guy who laughs at a funeral." So often I find myself in the exact place of Lily. It's usually in devastating situations that, if I don't laugh like a lunatic about it, I will fall apart in tears and emotions.
I was disgusted with Bertha when she publicly humiliated Lily by kicking her off her and her husband's yacht. All Lily had ever tried to do was to please Mr. Dorset and his unfaithful wife. Lily was now a social outcast who was sent home. To add insult to injury, Lily's aunt (who had suddenly perished) changed her will at the last moment. She left nearly all of her possessions and riches to her true favorite relative, Grace. Now no one wants anything to do with Lily. She is completely alone except for Gerty.
As the book goes on, I find myself being able to relate more and more to different aspects of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth. When Gerty asks Lily at one point how she could possibly be laughing about such a dreadful situation, Lily responds, "'So as not to weep, perhaps'" (Wharton, 182). It reminded me of some lyrics to the Bare Naked Ladies song that says, "I'm the kind of guy who laughs at a funeral." So often I find myself in the exact place of Lily. It's usually in devastating situations that, if I don't laugh like a lunatic about it, I will fall apart in tears and emotions.
I was disgusted with Bertha when she publicly humiliated Lily by kicking her off her and her husband's yacht. All Lily had ever tried to do was to please Mr. Dorset and his unfaithful wife. Lily was now a social outcast who was sent home. To add insult to injury, Lily's aunt (who had suddenly perished) changed her will at the last moment. She left nearly all of her possessions and riches to her true favorite relative, Grace. Now no one wants anything to do with Lily. She is completely alone except for Gerty.
Chapters 1-2 Book II
"What the deuce am I running away from?" (Wharton, 153). I actually laughed out loud when I read Selden's response to his actions when he was informed of Lily's presence in his area of Europe. And honestly, that's saying something, considering this novel isn't exactly a comedy.
I thought it was interesting how differently Lily's change of personality was perceived between Mrs. Fisher and Selden. At seeing Lily for the first time in nearly three months, Mrs. Fisher thought she looked more gorgeous than ever, and completely recovered from any stress that had plagued her in America. Selden, however, who always seems to see Lily for who and what she really is, sees her quite differently than Mrs. Fisher. He felt that the only thing that had changed about his Lily was that she had hardened herself to the world. She had put on a face and act of complete perfection and poise in order to protect and preserve herself. Selden did not see that as an improvement.
I knew that Bertha Dorset had always been a flirt and not very interested in her husband, but I still couldn't believe it when it was implied that she was cheating on her spouse! It seems that, even in those seemingly blissful times, marriages were just as likely to, and capable of, falling apart. Bertha is clearly dangerous, and for some reason she has it out for Lily, who she pretty much made go on the trip with them anyway! Mrs. Dorset seems to blame Lily for the way things have turned out with her marriage, and I feel like she will find a way to ruin Lily once and for all.
"What the deuce am I running away from?" (Wharton, 153). I actually laughed out loud when I read Selden's response to his actions when he was informed of Lily's presence in his area of Europe. And honestly, that's saying something, considering this novel isn't exactly a comedy.
I thought it was interesting how differently Lily's change of personality was perceived between Mrs. Fisher and Selden. At seeing Lily for the first time in nearly three months, Mrs. Fisher thought she looked more gorgeous than ever, and completely recovered from any stress that had plagued her in America. Selden, however, who always seems to see Lily for who and what she really is, sees her quite differently than Mrs. Fisher. He felt that the only thing that had changed about his Lily was that she had hardened herself to the world. She had put on a face and act of complete perfection and poise in order to protect and preserve herself. Selden did not see that as an improvement.
I knew that Bertha Dorset had always been a flirt and not very interested in her husband, but I still couldn't believe it when it was implied that she was cheating on her spouse! It seems that, even in those seemingly blissful times, marriages were just as likely to, and capable of, falling apart. Bertha is clearly dangerous, and for some reason she has it out for Lily, who she pretty much made go on the trip with them anyway! Mrs. Dorset seems to blame Lily for the way things have turned out with her marriage, and I feel like she will find a way to ruin Lily once and for all.
Chapter 15
While I suspected Lily's aunt would not be pleased with the actions of Lily which placed her in such debt to begin with, I didn't expect her to refuse to help her niece. She just abandoned her own flesh and blood in a bit of despair and debtors.
I felt almost as sickened as Lily when, instead of Selden coming to visit as he had promised, Rosedale came sauntering into her aunt's house to speak with Lily. He is so cocky, and sure of himself; he has no doubt that Lily could never refuse the offer he was about to propose. But then again, I suppose being filthy rich gives one a boost of self-confidence. "'I've got the money...and what I want is the woman -- and I mean to have her too" (Wharton, 143). His blunt proposal was all business. He knows Lily does not love him, and most likely never will. But she would be a trophy wife for him to show off, and he would be her financial salvation for life. Surely there's no way she will accept! However, Wharton's The House of Mirth already states on the back cover that it's a "tragic love story" of "failed love", so I probably shouldn't get my romantic hopes too high...
Why did Selden leave so suddenly? Will he come back? Will Lily see him again?
While I suspected Lily's aunt would not be pleased with the actions of Lily which placed her in such debt to begin with, I didn't expect her to refuse to help her niece. She just abandoned her own flesh and blood in a bit of despair and debtors.
I felt almost as sickened as Lily when, instead of Selden coming to visit as he had promised, Rosedale came sauntering into her aunt's house to speak with Lily. He is so cocky, and sure of himself; he has no doubt that Lily could never refuse the offer he was about to propose. But then again, I suppose being filthy rich gives one a boost of self-confidence. "'I've got the money...and what I want is the woman -- and I mean to have her too" (Wharton, 143). His blunt proposal was all business. He knows Lily does not love him, and most likely never will. But she would be a trophy wife for him to show off, and he would be her financial salvation for life. Surely there's no way she will accept! However, Wharton's The House of Mirth already states on the back cover that it's a "tragic love story" of "failed love", so I probably shouldn't get my romantic hopes too high...
Why did Selden leave so suddenly? Will he come back? Will Lily see him again?
Chapters 13-14
Possibly one of the most frustrating things in life is to have your peers thinking badly of you for something you didn't know, and not being able to do anything about it. In Wharton's The House of Mirth, when Mr. Trenor tricks Lily into joining him and his drunken self at his house, he makes if clear to Lily that the men of their community did not think highly of her at all. He also felt like he was missing out on some supposed special treatment Lily put to use to pay back her other male debtors. This assumption, too, was a slap in the face to Lily. I was disgusted at the way he wouldn't let her leave, how he trapped her in the room in hopes of satisfying his own greed. "'...you know I'm mad about you...'" (Wharton, 119). These words were probably the most horrifying thing Lily had ever heard. After all, she was talking to a married man whom she was in debt to! I'm sure that, in no time, word will get out that Lily Bart was socializing with Mr. Trenor at a late hour and when his wife was not present.
I was also shocked at Gerty's infatuation with her cousin, Lawrence Selden. She was so jealous of and bitter about Selden's feelings for Lily, for he clearly is in love with her, that she was tempted not to help Lily when she came trembling to her door! While Lily is realizing what her peers think of her, Selden is discovering what appears to be a relationship between Miss Bart and Mr. Trenor, and he feels cheated.
Possibly one of the most frustrating things in life is to have your peers thinking badly of you for something you didn't know, and not being able to do anything about it. In Wharton's The House of Mirth, when Mr. Trenor tricks Lily into joining him and his drunken self at his house, he makes if clear to Lily that the men of their community did not think highly of her at all. He also felt like he was missing out on some supposed special treatment Lily put to use to pay back her other male debtors. This assumption, too, was a slap in the face to Lily. I was disgusted at the way he wouldn't let her leave, how he trapped her in the room in hopes of satisfying his own greed. "'...you know I'm mad about you...'" (Wharton, 119). These words were probably the most horrifying thing Lily had ever heard. After all, she was talking to a married man whom she was in debt to! I'm sure that, in no time, word will get out that Lily Bart was socializing with Mr. Trenor at a late hour and when his wife was not present.
I was also shocked at Gerty's infatuation with her cousin, Lawrence Selden. She was so jealous of and bitter about Selden's feelings for Lily, for he clearly is in love with her, that she was tempted not to help Lily when she came trembling to her door! While Lily is realizing what her peers think of her, Selden is discovering what appears to be a relationship between Miss Bart and Mr. Trenor, and he feels cheated.
Chapters 11-12
I'm starting to have more pity for Lily as time goes on and people keep getting false ideas about her and her actions. I can also relate, in a way, to her relationship (or lack there of) wish her aunt. There are several members of my extended family that, were it not for the similar blood running through our veins, I would have absolutely no attatchment to or relationship with them. I know how Lily feels to have more of an awkward acquaintance than a loving aunt.
Up until this point in the book, Lily had boasted about her ability to control people with her confidence in her ways. That's why I was shocked when I came across the bit of Wharton's The House of Mirth when it is admitted that Lily "had grown more sensitive to criticism and less confident in her power of disarming it" (Wharton, 106). Lily is a fragile and vulnerable young woman as it is. She can't afford to loose her sense of confidence, that will surely only set her up for failure in the future.
I can only imagine Lily's frustration at the rumors being spread. It's being said that immoral and dishonest actions are transpiring between herself and Mr. Trenor, and this news is quickly and quietly making its way throughout her group of acquaintances. I'm sure this will lead to more troubles for her.
I'm starting to have more pity for Lily as time goes on and people keep getting false ideas about her and her actions. I can also relate, in a way, to her relationship (or lack there of) wish her aunt. There are several members of my extended family that, were it not for the similar blood running through our veins, I would have absolutely no attatchment to or relationship with them. I know how Lily feels to have more of an awkward acquaintance than a loving aunt.
Up until this point in the book, Lily had boasted about her ability to control people with her confidence in her ways. That's why I was shocked when I came across the bit of Wharton's The House of Mirth when it is admitted that Lily "had grown more sensitive to criticism and less confident in her power of disarming it" (Wharton, 106). Lily is a fragile and vulnerable young woman as it is. She can't afford to loose her sense of confidence, that will surely only set her up for failure in the future.
I can only imagine Lily's frustration at the rumors being spread. It's being said that immoral and dishonest actions are transpiring between herself and Mr. Trenor, and this news is quickly and quietly making its way throughout her group of acquaintances. I'm sure this will lead to more troubles for her.
Chapters 9-10
The despair that Lily feels during the most part of these chapters of Wharton's The House of Mirth is almost tangible...it was a pretty depressing section to read! She clearly feels as though her life is going no where, and her aunt's dwelling seems to her more of a tomb than a home.
I didn't really understand the letter ordeal that Mrs. Haffen had used to blackmail Lily in a way. Even keeping in mind that she thought the letters were between Selden and Lily, what did she think the big scandal was of one single woman writing letters to another single man? However, on another note, they turned out to be numerous letters from a married woman to a single man. It begs the question: why was Bertha Dorset writing so many letters to Selden? What were they concerning? Is she being unfaithful?
Rosedale is thrust into a slightly clearer light in these chapters, and he seems to be a sneaky, oily snake. At one point he said to Miss Bart, in regards to Mr. Trenor, that he "'wasn't thinking of Mrs. Trenor-- they say Gus doesn't always, you know'" (Wharton, 92). His meeting with Lily only made her more insecure about her ties with the Trenor family. What could he gain by making her feel threatened by him and his knowledge? I think he knows, as I too suspect, that Mr. Trenor would very much like to have Lily to himself.
The despair that Lily feels during the most part of these chapters of Wharton's The House of Mirth is almost tangible...it was a pretty depressing section to read! She clearly feels as though her life is going no where, and her aunt's dwelling seems to her more of a tomb than a home.
I didn't really understand the letter ordeal that Mrs. Haffen had used to blackmail Lily in a way. Even keeping in mind that she thought the letters were between Selden and Lily, what did she think the big scandal was of one single woman writing letters to another single man? However, on another note, they turned out to be numerous letters from a married woman to a single man. It begs the question: why was Bertha Dorset writing so many letters to Selden? What were they concerning? Is she being unfaithful?
Rosedale is thrust into a slightly clearer light in these chapters, and he seems to be a sneaky, oily snake. At one point he said to Miss Bart, in regards to Mr. Trenor, that he "'wasn't thinking of Mrs. Trenor-- they say Gus doesn't always, you know'" (Wharton, 92). His meeting with Lily only made her more insecure about her ties with the Trenor family. What could he gain by making her feel threatened by him and his knowledge? I think he knows, as I too suspect, that Mr. Trenor would very much like to have Lily to himself.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Chapters 7-8
Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth shows all the strategic inner-workings of the manipulative and scheming women of the time. Lily and the women she's surrounded by in these particular chapters remind me of older, better-dressed, and slightly more well-mannered versions of high school girls today. All they do is gossip and plot how to elevate their social status; it'd be exhausting to constantly obsess over such petty concepts.
I can somewhat relate to Lily when it comes to always having to be conscious of what one says, who is listening when she says it, and who could possibly take offense to it. One sentence used by Mrs. Trenor to describe the women of their party holds true to young women of today. She accurately states that "they hold their tongues...and you think you're safe, but when their opportunity comes they remember everything" (Wharton, 61). There are few things more dangerous than an angry and capable woman who has been wronged by one of her peers. Maybe it was Bertha's bad-mouthing of Lily that ultimately drove Percy Gryce to get engaged to another?
I also predict that Lily's choice to trust her money to Mr. Trenor will come back to haunt her with possibly more debt in the near future. I don't know much about Mr. Rosedale, but he seems like he could be just as dangerous as a begrudged woman.
Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth shows all the strategic inner-workings of the manipulative and scheming women of the time. Lily and the women she's surrounded by in these particular chapters remind me of older, better-dressed, and slightly more well-mannered versions of high school girls today. All they do is gossip and plot how to elevate their social status; it'd be exhausting to constantly obsess over such petty concepts.
I can somewhat relate to Lily when it comes to always having to be conscious of what one says, who is listening when she says it, and who could possibly take offense to it. One sentence used by Mrs. Trenor to describe the women of their party holds true to young women of today. She accurately states that "they hold their tongues...and you think you're safe, but when their opportunity comes they remember everything" (Wharton, 61). There are few things more dangerous than an angry and capable woman who has been wronged by one of her peers. Maybe it was Bertha's bad-mouthing of Lily that ultimately drove Percy Gryce to get engaged to another?
I also predict that Lily's choice to trust her money to Mr. Trenor will come back to haunt her with possibly more debt in the near future. I don't know much about Mr. Rosedale, but he seems like he could be just as dangerous as a begrudged woman.
Chapters 5-6
These two chapters of Wharton's The House of Mirth scream the difference between Lily Bart's relationship with Selden and her relationship with Gryce. She is so clearly torn between the man she wants, and the money she needs.
Lily's relationship with Gryce is based upon lies and facades. From the moment Lily decided to use her skills to snag Gryce as a husband, she fed him lies about herself and her life. He believes she never smokes, he is under the impression that she despises gambling, and he is falsely impressed by Lily's supposed devotion to attending Sunday services. Lily cannot be her true self around him because of the web of lies she's spun in order to entice him. How can one hope for a happy marriage or life with someone that's based upon lies? But, as I'm coming to realize more and more, marriage at this time was usually strictly strategic; a game of survival and security rather than passion and love.
Everything is different with Selden. Lily is able to speak with him about worries and thoughts of which she can confide in no one else. Their conversations are always playful, but they can easily discuss serious matters as well. They are both enchanted by the other, Selden by Lily's beauty, and Lily by "Selden's distinction that he had never forgotten the way out" (Wharton, 43) of the materialistic trap everyone else had been eternally claimed by. If Selden were wealthy, Lily would waste no time in marrying him, as they both are clearly interested in doing so.
Will Lily choose money and comfort, or love and happiness?
These two chapters of Wharton's The House of Mirth scream the difference between Lily Bart's relationship with Selden and her relationship with Gryce. She is so clearly torn between the man she wants, and the money she needs.
Lily's relationship with Gryce is based upon lies and facades. From the moment Lily decided to use her skills to snag Gryce as a husband, she fed him lies about herself and her life. He believes she never smokes, he is under the impression that she despises gambling, and he is falsely impressed by Lily's supposed devotion to attending Sunday services. Lily cannot be her true self around him because of the web of lies she's spun in order to entice him. How can one hope for a happy marriage or life with someone that's based upon lies? But, as I'm coming to realize more and more, marriage at this time was usually strictly strategic; a game of survival and security rather than passion and love.
Everything is different with Selden. Lily is able to speak with him about worries and thoughts of which she can confide in no one else. Their conversations are always playful, but they can easily discuss serious matters as well. They are both enchanted by the other, Selden by Lily's beauty, and Lily by "Selden's distinction that he had never forgotten the way out" (Wharton, 43) of the materialistic trap everyone else had been eternally claimed by. If Selden were wealthy, Lily would waste no time in marrying him, as they both are clearly interested in doing so.
Will Lily choose money and comfort, or love and happiness?
Friday, July 13, 2012
Chapters 3-4
The more I read of Wharton's The House of Mirth, the more I'm shocked by what a shallow society Miss Lily Bart lives in. The value of a man or woman is not based on their character or morals, but on how wealthy of a lifestyle they are able to live. They're all actors, constantly trying to prove to the world they have the means to live a life of perfection and luxury.
Underneath Miss Bart's problem-free facade, however, she reveals within these two chapters that she feels more like her servant girl than a prominent woman of society. After she realizes how much money she foolishly lost in gambling, she comes to the aggravating realization that "she and her maid were in the same position, except that the latter received her wages more regularly" (Wharton, 21). She feels trapped in life, with no where to go but marriage, and nothing to rely on to get there except for her beauty. That's why she's so flustered when she discovers the lines on her face late at night; her own pettiness and that of those surrounding Lily don't look kindly on flaws and, as an unmarried woman, Lily can not afford to have such flaws.
It's hard for me to feel sorry for Lily and her circumstances when I read about how shallow and judgemental she is. She thinks herself superior to all because of her good looks, she envies a woman who can afford to treat men as disposable toys, and she is accustomed to, in the end, getting whatever she desires. In fact, it seems that Lily is so sure of herself and her abilities to read men, that she is now confident she could marry Percy Gryce at any time of her choosing.
The more I read of Wharton's The House of Mirth, the more I'm shocked by what a shallow society Miss Lily Bart lives in. The value of a man or woman is not based on their character or morals, but on how wealthy of a lifestyle they are able to live. They're all actors, constantly trying to prove to the world they have the means to live a life of perfection and luxury.
Underneath Miss Bart's problem-free facade, however, she reveals within these two chapters that she feels more like her servant girl than a prominent woman of society. After she realizes how much money she foolishly lost in gambling, she comes to the aggravating realization that "she and her maid were in the same position, except that the latter received her wages more regularly" (Wharton, 21). She feels trapped in life, with no where to go but marriage, and nothing to rely on to get there except for her beauty. That's why she's so flustered when she discovers the lines on her face late at night; her own pettiness and that of those surrounding Lily don't look kindly on flaws and, as an unmarried woman, Lily can not afford to have such flaws.
It's hard for me to feel sorry for Lily and her circumstances when I read about how shallow and judgemental she is. She thinks herself superior to all because of her good looks, she envies a woman who can afford to treat men as disposable toys, and she is accustomed to, in the end, getting whatever she desires. In fact, it seems that Lily is so sure of herself and her abilities to read men, that she is now confident she could marry Percy Gryce at any time of her choosing.
Chapters 1-2
One thing that strikes me most in regards to Wharton's The House of Mirth is the unbelievable societal differences between the time period of the novel and today's customs. The manner of speaking alone, the propriety and diction, is worlds away from the way we speak today. I would personally hate to live in this particular day and age. I would go crazy having to constantly worry about how my actions will be perceived, how to secure a wealthy spouse in order to survive, etc.
However, for young women such as Lily Bart, that's all they could afford to think about. Her character's personality confuses me. For instance, Miss Lily claims that her "best friends...use [her] or abuse [her]; but they don't care a straw what happens to [her]" (Wharton, 6). How many shallow people can a society have that one has only people like that to refer to as close acquaintances? She also seems almost defiant to the fact that, as a woman in this time period, she must marry rich in order to accomplish anything!
In conversing about collected books, I found some of Selden's words to Lily to be symbolic. He says that a particular poorly-written group of works is only popular because it is the "mere rarity that attracts the average collector" (Wharton, 7). Perhaps the only reason so many men are enchanted by Miss Lily Bart is because of her rarity in beauty. However, like the said Americana books, it could be that she has nothing else to offer but this rarity of appearance.
One thing that strikes me most in regards to Wharton's The House of Mirth is the unbelievable societal differences between the time period of the novel and today's customs. The manner of speaking alone, the propriety and diction, is worlds away from the way we speak today. I would personally hate to live in this particular day and age. I would go crazy having to constantly worry about how my actions will be perceived, how to secure a wealthy spouse in order to survive, etc.
However, for young women such as Lily Bart, that's all they could afford to think about. Her character's personality confuses me. For instance, Miss Lily claims that her "best friends...use [her] or abuse [her]; but they don't care a straw what happens to [her]" (Wharton, 6). How many shallow people can a society have that one has only people like that to refer to as close acquaintances? She also seems almost defiant to the fact that, as a woman in this time period, she must marry rich in order to accomplish anything!
In conversing about collected books, I found some of Selden's words to Lily to be symbolic. He says that a particular poorly-written group of works is only popular because it is the "mere rarity that attracts the average collector" (Wharton, 7). Perhaps the only reason so many men are enchanted by Miss Lily Bart is because of her rarity in beauty. However, like the said Americana books, it could be that she has nothing else to offer but this rarity of appearance.
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