The House Of Mirth, By Edith Wharton

The House of Mirth written by Edith Wharton explores the harsh realities of the society surrounding New York City in the late 1800s. Primarily facing the threat of scandal in the midst of attempting to preserve her public image in New York’s elite social class, Lily Bart is withering away on the marriage market while confronting the constant question: marry for love or marry for money?

Precisely focusing on a very distinct world, New York City’s wealthy society in the 1800s, Edith Wharton displays an enduring perception: the dispute of maintaining authenticity and originality within an unethical, controlling and commanding civilization. The novel is heavily rooted around feminine and societal norms, which highlight distinct parallels between the expectations and standards of the twentieth century and those of modern western culture. The struggles, failures, and success that Lily Bart entails signify the realities and hardships

Lily’s ambitious vibe of independence, her strong perception and insight on others, and the aspiration to surmount the insignificant and narrow-minded interest that occupies those around her, Lily can easily be identified as a strong central character, a positive reflection of a young, determined woman searching for her path within a hectic and turbulent world. However, this can undoubtedly be overlooked, as Lily repeatedly makes unintelligent and poor decisions that validate the norms and values of her social class. Lily secures her position as an individual whose disregard for stupidity has made her a victim of ignorance. With an understanding and belief that access to money is the key to happiness and power, Lily is faced with a hindering utopian ideal of having plentiful