And though she could not escape tragedy, she at least kept trying. She is not always the most likeable, but she keeps trying. Lily’s grasping for more is her downfall, and just as she learns to live with less, the world has other plans. To Selden, success is letting go of it all. To Lily, success is excess, holding onto everything. To keep a kind of republic of the spirit - that’s what I call success.” “From everything - from money, from poverty, from ease and anxiety, from all the material accidents. “My idea of success,” he said, “is personal freedom.” “My idea of it? God forbid!” He sat up with sudden energy, resting his elbows on his knees and staring out upon the mellow fields. “Why, to get as much as one can out of life, I suppose. “Success - what is success? I shall be interested to have your definition.” Selden pushed his hat back and took a side-glance at her. The entire concept of the book – and of LIFE!!- I believe is summarized in this single exchange between Lily and Selden. She is trying so hard that it’s too hard, and though beautiful and smart, she just can’t seem to get herself out of the hole. In early 1900s New York where appearances are everything, Lily Bart is flailing. Knowing she cannot betray her friend – and God forbid, what will society think of her? – Lily makes it a point to pay back Gus every cent he’s given her.īut the journey proves difficult, as her reputation continues to crumble, money is not flowing and her prospects for a husband remain limited.Īnalysis: The House of Mirth is an example of what Edith Wharton does best, combining the themes of class, gender roles, reputation and wealth. But Gus also begins to expect a romantic relationship in return. Suddenly Lily is able to afford the flashier clothing and appear remarkably rich. He makes some investments on her behalf, offering her checks. That’s when Gus, her friend’s husband, offers her financial help. On her trip to see friends in Bellomont, she fails to become engaged to the person her friends are trying to set her up with and she loses even more of her money via games of bridge. She has gambled away much of her money, and she didn’t have much to start. Much of her time revolves around wealth and status. She is decidedly undecided in her desire to marry for love versus marrying for wealth and status. Lily is 29 and has been available and looking for marriage for years now. So sets up the on-and-off, back-and-forth relationship between Lily and Selden and the impulsivity of Lily Bart. They unexpectedly spend much of the afternoon together before she visits a friend’s country home. Recap: Lily Bart is a beautiful girl, waiting for a train at Grand Central Station when she runs into her friend, Selden.
0 kommentar(er)
