The House of Mirth - Edith Wharton
Chapter VIII-IX

In these chapters, we see the results of Lily's financial dealings with Gus Trenor as she receives her first checks (as a result of her request for Trenor to invest her remaining money in a last ditch attempt to find the money to pay off her gambling and shopping debts.) As Lily slowly moves into what she believes is financial independence, she slightly loosens her quest for a husband. Lily compares herself to the other ladies in her circle, pointing out their flirtatious tactics for financial security (ironically once hers) as inferior to her new found way to earn money. Her analysis of her peers adds to the local color of her society.

In chapter IX, Lily finds herself in possession of much power brought on in the form of letters between Seldon and Bertha Dorsett that spell out clearly a long-term relationship. Here, Whatron presents the irony of society. Just as Bertha used the skeletons in Lily's closet to harm her chances with Gryce, Lily can now use Bertha's past to harm her future in society. Lily recognizes this power and relishes in her new weapon, "the possessor of his wife's letters could overthrow with a touch the whole structure of her existence" (Wharton, 109). The past always catches up to you, both private and public actions have consequences.

I think that this lesson can be applied to the world of facebook today. If you don't want something to be discovered and discussed, don't write it down and send it out.