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.