The House of Mirth - Edith Wharton

Chapter V

Lily Bart's point of view becomes more clear as the topic of religion arises. Her primary use for attending church is to entice the interest of a possible husband, Percy Gryce. Just as good for her was what she ended up doing: walking in the gardens with another suitor. Her point of view has become so limited to her singular goal of finding a husband that religion, relationships, and personal amusement have no place in her narrowing mind frame. She finds little value in devotion to religion. Those who she views as finding church attendance necessary "belonged to the vast group of human automata who go through life without neglecting to perform a single one of the gestures executed by the surrounding puppets" (Wharton, 53). As most other events in her life are simply formalities, church was simply another place to "go through the motions." It was just another place for her to further her ambitions. She points out how frivolous these events and practices are, but continues them anyway, falling into the patterns set out by other members of society. It will be interesting to see if Lily continues to comply with the demands of society or follows the example of Seldon and leaves the pressures of society life.

The House of Mirth - Edith Wharton
Chapter IV

The central theme of this chapter is gossip. Lily and her host at the Bellomont, Mrs. Trenor, spend the better part of this chapter discussing the personal lives of society members invited to the party being held this weekend. They reveal the delicate balance needed to keep up the tightrope act of pleasing everyone and keeping potential enemies close. Mrs. Trenor finds herself looking at a long list of divorcees, single women, eligible bachelors, and fabulously rich children of the names who had built their wealth in generations previous. Lily reflects on the importance of society to each individual: "Society is a revolving body which is apt to be judged according to its place in each man's heaven" (Wharton, 51). Here, Lily admits her respect for Lawrence Seldon because of his ability to keep society at arms length. He later admits to her that she is the only reason he came to the Bellomont and "'re-entered" society. Lily envies Seldon's ability to come and go as he pleases simply because he is a man. Her feelings appear to be a continuation of their discussion in the first chapter of the book while having tea in his apartment.

The House of Mirth - Edith Wharton
Chapter III

A minor character who never actually appears in the story, but plays a major role in the formation of Lily Bart, is Mrs. Bart, her mother. Mrs. Bart is describes by Lily as a woman who had "no tolerance for scenes which were not of her own making" (Wharton, 32). As Lily explains her distaste for "dinginess" in life, we come to understand that her preferences stem from Mrs. Bart's influence during childhood. Lily grew up in extravagance until her father lost all his money and died. At this point, Mrs. Bart pressures her daughter into believing that her looks are the only thing that can alleviate their situation.

Later, we see Lily's obsession with her appearance as she tries to find a husband at the Bellomont.

But as Lily's quest eventually goes sour, she may fall into the same trap as her mother: "She had hated dinginess, and it was her fate to be dingy" (Wharton, 35).

Mrs. Bart plays a role in determining the course of the  novel through her influence of Lily's values and the ways she goes about attaining them.

The House of Mirth - Edith Wharton
Chapter II

In the second chapter, readers are introduced to two ways of displaying wealth portrayed by the annoyingly flamboyant character of Bertha Dorset and the more reserved Percy Gryce.

Mrs. Dorset displays her wealth through her possessions. She is introduced as "a pretty woman, who entered the train accompanied by a maid, a bull-terrier, and a footman staggering under a load of bags and dressing-cases" (Wharton, 22). She is the type of person who wants her wealth to be acknowledged, fulfilling a need for instant gratification. People like her today have an obsession with newer cars, larger diamonds, and the latest technology. Not as tactful as Lily, Mrs. Dorset finds no need to explain herself due to her immense wealth.

Mr. Gryce, on the other hand, emits a more private existence, taking pride in his collection of Americana bought by his equally immense wealth. Still, under his humble exterior is a similar need for acknowledgment of his wealth and accomplishments. Lily describes him as "like a merchant whose warehouses are crammed with an unmarketable commodity" (Wharton, 19).

Mrs. Dorset and Mr. Gryce are both people who, in a way, want a label. They want to be known as people with money and comfort, though they display this in different ways. Mrs. Dorset's endeavors later in the novel make her one of the primary antagonists while Mr. Gryce simply becomes a lost opportunity in Lily's quest for a husband.

The House of Mirth - Edith Wharton
Chapter I

Within the first few pages, Wharton has revealed the major characteristics of the protagonist, Lily Bart, through descriptions provided by the eligible, though not rich, Lawrence Seldon. Lily is portrayed as an irresistible vision to the eyes with poise and intelligence to match. Seldon explains that, "it was characteristic of her that she always roused speculation, that her simplest acts seemed the result of far-reaching intentions" (Wharton, 1). As the story develops, we see that her personal relationships are entirely aimed at personal advancement in a societal hierarchy where she doesn't make the rules. Lily seems wrapped up in a constant struggle to meet standards set out for her by people with money. At the start of the novel, Wharton portrays a slight, broken humanity in Lily that almost makes you "root" for her cause. Lily states, "Don't you see...that there are men enough to say pleasant things to me and that what I want is a friend who won't be afraid to say disagreeable ones when I need them?" (Wharton, 7).

Here, Wharton presents Lily's internal conflicts that will unconsciously drive the rest of the story. Lily's external conflicts, more prevalent throughout the story, center on the need to feel accepted in a society preoccupied with conspicuous consumption.

The author makes us believe that Lily is also preoccupied with riches as she clearly explains to Seldon that she could never marry him because he doesn't have enough money. Her actions and personality remind me of Madonna's hit song "Material Girl" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gWqc7pTNn0).

Madonna sings

"They can beg and they can plead

But they can't see the light, that's right

'Cause the boy with the cold hard cash

Is always Mister Right, 'cause we are

Living in a material world

And I am a material girl"

Lily Bart's mentality greatly reflects the mentality of the character in the song.