The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over Book 2 chapters 14-15
And so it ends... In the final chapters of The House of Mirth, I experienced the depression and unfulfillment Wharton has built up throughout the whole novel. I can't exactly say I didn't foresee the novel's dreary ending, but I kept my hopes high for a possible turn of events!(that definitely didn't happen...) From the moment the chloral was introduced, I knew things were going to take a turn for the worse. Lily is caught thinking,"The thought of the chloral was the only spot of light in the dark prospect."(Wharton, 253). Lily has obviously formed a severe dependency on the drug, she recently had even raised the dosage to its highest limit in order to get an effect. Also, the recurrence of a possible overdose appeared multiple times throughout the last chapters, definitely creating some serious foreshadowing. To develop even more heartthrob, just the night before Lily died, she unexpectedly took a visit to Selden's apartment. During her visit, she abruptly confessed all her feeling to him about their relationship, her life and how Selden was right when he said "that such a life could never satisfy me."(Wharton,250). Selden has been right about Lily along. If she just would have taken his advice or help one time, instead of being so stubborn, their relationship, and lives for that matter, may be drastically different (maybe not dead!). When Lily leaves his apartment, there is an air of promise in the relationship inspite of the many upsetting words they shared. When Selden reaches Lily's boardinghouse the next morning, only to find she is dead, it really hit me hard because there was so much potential for their future. Way to go Wharton for destroying my hopes and dreams. On a more upbeat note, I believe through Lily's death, she will finally able to be free from her constant battle with society. She was never able to live the life she was "destined" to be apart of and that was her biggest character flaw. She had the chances to runaway with Selden and live free from the pressures of money, but of course she would not have it. She loved luxury far too much to let silly love get in the way. Only now, disconnected from the world, will Lily be able to achieve the happiness she always wanted. At the end of the novel, before Lily falls asleep and as Selden is walking to Lily's boarding house, they both mention a perfectly fitting word they want to say to each. My first and only assumption is "mirth", not only because it's obviously the name of the novel, but for the word meaning. Mirth is something along the lines of joy, amusement, and cheer, something both Lily and Selden wanted out of lives and experienced with each other. They may never get to live out their happiness together, but Selden makes a beautiful point when he thinks,"he saw now that, for both, it had been saved whole out of the ruin of their lives."(Wharton,268). Their love may not have been fulfilled, but it did in fact save them.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Blog #14
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over Book 2 chapters 10-12
"To what other end does nature round the rose-leaf and paint the humming-bird's breast?"(Wharton, 245). In an attempt to discumber Lily's complex life, this analogy is used to construe the upbringing that has guided Lily to her downfall. Similar to natures inherited tendencies, Lily is a product of wealth and luxury that has innately ran through her veins. In her despair, Lily realizes she is incapable of alternating her life and unable to be anyone other than a rich elite. A world of abundance and bliss appears to be the only way for Lily to experience life, and if not possible, there is in fact no life at all. From the moment Lily was banished from the social world, she has become a continuous onlooker, awaiting her opportunity to sneak back in. In an attempt to return to her natural wealthy state, Lily has partaken in low class social events, different jobs, and experienced her fair share of scandals, but nothing has led back on top. Lily thinks to herself,"And was if her fault that the purely decorative mission is less easily and harmoniously fulfilled among social beings than in the world of nature?"(Wharton, 245). Unlike nature, the social elite must fight to remain on their continuous cycle of leisure and delight. Although it may be in the blood of the rich to remain wealthy, it by no means is a guaranteed they will forever be an element of the cycle.
Analysis over Book 2 chapters 10-12
"To what other end does nature round the rose-leaf and paint the humming-bird's breast?"(Wharton, 245). In an attempt to discumber Lily's complex life, this analogy is used to construe the upbringing that has guided Lily to her downfall. Similar to natures inherited tendencies, Lily is a product of wealth and luxury that has innately ran through her veins. In her despair, Lily realizes she is incapable of alternating her life and unable to be anyone other than a rich elite. A world of abundance and bliss appears to be the only way for Lily to experience life, and if not possible, there is in fact no life at all. From the moment Lily was banished from the social world, she has become a continuous onlooker, awaiting her opportunity to sneak back in. In an attempt to return to her natural wealthy state, Lily has partaken in low class social events, different jobs, and experienced her fair share of scandals, but nothing has led back on top. Lily thinks to herself,"And was if her fault that the purely decorative mission is less easily and harmoniously fulfilled among social beings than in the world of nature?"(Wharton, 245). Unlike nature, the social elite must fight to remain on their continuous cycle of leisure and delight. Although it may be in the blood of the rich to remain wealthy, it by no means is a guaranteed they will forever be an element of the cycle.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Blog #13
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over Book 2 chapters 7-9
Analysis over Book 2 chapters 7-9
Lily has become a continued sinking ship. Every which way she turns, every plan she creates to save the day, every person she relies on, all fail her. Lily attempts to seek the marriage of Mr.Rosedale, who at one point wanted nothing more than Lily's hand, but after Lily's social fall out, he coincidentally is not interested in marriage. He may "love" Lily, but its clear he loves a position with the social elite even more. Lilly says to Rosedale,"A year ago I should have been of use to you, and now I should be an encumbrance."(Wharton. 208). Lily can no longer give Rosedale social prosperity, therefore she is of now no use to him as a wife. I can't say I'm very displeased, I never cared for him anyway.On another depressing note, the lovely Bertha Dorset has befriended Mrs.Gomer, which is clearly just another attempt at ruining Lily's life. The Gomers were Lily's last connection to the social world and seeing it as yet another way to hurt Lily, Bertha obviously wanted to do nothing more than sever the tie. There continues to be tremendous amounts of downfall, but they are never followed by an uprising. The mirthless manner of the book has become rather depressing and I fear for what Lily will do when she truly hits rock bottom. After becoming a secretary to Mrs. Norma Hatch, Selden was summoned by Gerty to try and talk some sense into Lily. Selden can see Lily is settling with the people she now surrounds herself with and he wants to help her.Of course though, Lily has to be stubborn and rejects him. She is always pushing away the few people who actual care for her.Chasing this dream of social perfection has left her no where but the bottom of the food chain.
Blog #12
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over Book 2 chapters 4-6
At this point in the novel, due to the accelerated occurrence of events, I feel that rising action is quickly approaching. The sudden death of Mrs.Peninston leaves Lily with a surprisingly low ten thousand dollars and Grace Stepney with the whole estate. Lily has completely tumbled down the high class ladder. Her name is swarming with rumors, she has no money, and all "friends" have abandoned her except for the loyal Gerty Farish. With the help of Carry Fisher, Lily becomes the social adviser for the not so popular Gomers. With them, Lily travels to Alaska and to their country estate in Long Island where she runs into the eager Mr.Dorset. I was surprised by the maturity at which Lily continues to hold while dealing with the Dorsets. Lily could have easily told Mr.Dorset that Bertha has had an affair, sweep Mr.Dorset off his feet, marry him and live happily ever after. Oddly though, she refuses to tell him anything. After all the pain and hardships Bertha has put Lily through, I'm more than surprised Lily doesn't jump at the first opportunity to seek revenge. I'm assuming she is trying her best to stay clear of any course of action that could lead to more negative rumors. Desperate as ever, Lily has come to the conclusion that she must marry Mr.Rosedale (Yuck!) and intends to make him fall in love with her since she has no other prosperity to offer. Lily thinks to herself, "Beat about the question as she would, she knew the outcome of it was that she must try and marry Rosedale."(Wharton, 200). Lily has come the believe that it's marry Rosedale or be voted of the popularity island forever. It's going to be interesting to see how the story plays out...
Analysis over Book 2 chapters 4-6
At this point in the novel, due to the accelerated occurrence of events, I feel that rising action is quickly approaching. The sudden death of Mrs.Peninston leaves Lily with a surprisingly low ten thousand dollars and Grace Stepney with the whole estate. Lily has completely tumbled down the high class ladder. Her name is swarming with rumors, she has no money, and all "friends" have abandoned her except for the loyal Gerty Farish. With the help of Carry Fisher, Lily becomes the social adviser for the not so popular Gomers. With them, Lily travels to Alaska and to their country estate in Long Island where she runs into the eager Mr.Dorset. I was surprised by the maturity at which Lily continues to hold while dealing with the Dorsets. Lily could have easily told Mr.Dorset that Bertha has had an affair, sweep Mr.Dorset off his feet, marry him and live happily ever after. Oddly though, she refuses to tell him anything. After all the pain and hardships Bertha has put Lily through, I'm more than surprised Lily doesn't jump at the first opportunity to seek revenge. I'm assuming she is trying her best to stay clear of any course of action that could lead to more negative rumors. Desperate as ever, Lily has come to the conclusion that she must marry Mr.Rosedale (Yuck!) and intends to make him fall in love with her since she has no other prosperity to offer. Lily thinks to herself, "Beat about the question as she would, she knew the outcome of it was that she must try and marry Rosedale."(Wharton, 200). Lily has come the believe that it's marry Rosedale or be voted of the popularity island forever. It's going to be interesting to see how the story plays out...
Blog #11
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over Book 2 chapters 1-3
The painful need to be apart, but the compelling force drawing them back together. That is the recurring theme found in the relationship between Lily and Selden. Selden deserts New York to do business in Europe, escaping all current disputes between him and Lily and leaving all questions unanswered. It's more than obvious that Selden has been in a state of denial for the past three months. He thought that pushing Lily to the back of his mind would ease, if any, pain Selden felt from his and Lily's relationship, but Selden realizes,"He suddenly felt the latent ache, and realised that after all he has not come off unhurt."(Wharton,150). Selden attempts to play the "I'm over her card", but it's clear as day that he still has feeling for her. As fate would have it, Lily ends up in Monte Carlo, exactly where Selden is. Selden's first reaction is to flee, but as fate would have it once again, Lily and a group of others are heading to Nice, just like Selden. It's almost comical how impossible it is for these two to not run into each other. Once again, Selden is caught in denial when he thinks."Yes, she was matchless- it was the one word for her; and he could give his admiration the freer play because so little personal feeling remained."(Wharton, 174). Selden is swimming in personal feelings towards Lily! When the Dorset's are facing marital problems, Selden advisers Lily to get out now in order to protect herself, and when Bertha Dorset kicks Lily out of the yacht, Selden is quick to make sure she has a place to stay for the night. He may not want to care for Lily, but the truth is that he does, unconditionally.
Analysis over Book 2 chapters 1-3
The painful need to be apart, but the compelling force drawing them back together. That is the recurring theme found in the relationship between Lily and Selden. Selden deserts New York to do business in Europe, escaping all current disputes between him and Lily and leaving all questions unanswered. It's more than obvious that Selden has been in a state of denial for the past three months. He thought that pushing Lily to the back of his mind would ease, if any, pain Selden felt from his and Lily's relationship, but Selden realizes,"He suddenly felt the latent ache, and realised that after all he has not come off unhurt."(Wharton,150). Selden attempts to play the "I'm over her card", but it's clear as day that he still has feeling for her. As fate would have it, Lily ends up in Monte Carlo, exactly where Selden is. Selden's first reaction is to flee, but as fate would have it once again, Lily and a group of others are heading to Nice, just like Selden. It's almost comical how impossible it is for these two to not run into each other. Once again, Selden is caught in denial when he thinks."Yes, she was matchless- it was the one word for her; and he could give his admiration the freer play because so little personal feeling remained."(Wharton, 174). Selden is swimming in personal feelings towards Lily! When the Dorset's are facing marital problems, Selden advisers Lily to get out now in order to protect herself, and when Bertha Dorset kicks Lily out of the yacht, Selden is quick to make sure she has a place to stay for the night. He may not want to care for Lily, but the truth is that he does, unconditionally.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Blog #10
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over chapters 14-15
Analysis over chapters 14-15
It is clear that Lily Bart is, with absolutely no doubt, the most unlucky person on the planet. Everything just goes wrong ever single time. It's very ironic that this book is called The House of Mirth because there is absolutely no mirth to be found! Not even a single hint of joy! Lily decides she wants to be with Selden and change her ways to live a life like he does, but of course that plan burns to ashes. Instead, Selden does't even show up to meet her because he thinks she is fooling around with Mr.Trenor! What are the odds that just as Selden is taking a late night stroll with Ned Van Alstyne they happen to witness Lily escaping the Trenor house! Now it looks like Lily has been messing around with Mr.Trenor when really all she wants is Selden! To makes things even more strange, Gerty Farish is in mad, jealous love with Selden. He is her cousin! Of all things I predicted to happen, I never thought Gerty was going to fall in love with her cousin! Now she hates Lily because Selden is in love with her, but Lily has absolutely no idea of Gerty's feelings toward her.Lily was just beginning to think of Gerty as her best friend and now she hates her? What in the world is going on. Then, the unexpected proposal from Mr.Rosedale to Lily... I honestly wouldn't be the least bit surprised at this point if she accepted it. She is nine thousand dollars in dept, her aunt won't help her, and Rosedale is telling her he could give her all the money in the world. Lastly, Selden decides to drop off the face of the planet and go to Havana and the West Indies. What wonderful timing he has... Well, I'll be more than interested to see how this all plays out.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Blog #9
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over chapters 12-13
An Illusion. That's all Lily's life really is. One big illusion fabricated from what Lily always thought to be acceptable and necessary. Found in a moment of despair, Lily realizes she truly doesn't have anyone or anything. All she posses are the fake relationships she has created for personal gain, which all appear to be crumbling to pieces. Eventually, her "friends" and "acquaintances" begin to become less patient with Lily's manipulative manners and she quickly drops down the social ladder. While attending a get together at Bellomont, Lily comes to realize,"That if the ladies at Bellomont permitted themselves to criticize her friends openly, it was a proof that they were not afraid of subjecting her to the same treatment behind her back."(Wharton,106). These people she is surrounding herself with are not afraid to voice their distaste on any out of line affair. Gossip is a fairly common activity practiced in this class and it travels quite quickly to top things off. Even Ms.Bart admits to being aware of her devious actions, but she is by no means remorseful enough to quit her ways. Lily is using Gus Trenor for money, maintaining a friendship with Mr.Rosedale's because of a secret, and making acquaintances with the Dorset's for "social sanction". She is living in a vicious circle of lies and illusions. All these relationship, all these people, they mean nothing. She has nothing. The only person who actually cares for her, Selden that is, she pushes away because he is not good enough! It's really hard to feel bad for her because all her problems are reactions of her own selfish ways.
Analysis over chapters 12-13
An Illusion. That's all Lily's life really is. One big illusion fabricated from what Lily always thought to be acceptable and necessary. Found in a moment of despair, Lily realizes she truly doesn't have anyone or anything. All she posses are the fake relationships she has created for personal gain, which all appear to be crumbling to pieces. Eventually, her "friends" and "acquaintances" begin to become less patient with Lily's manipulative manners and she quickly drops down the social ladder. While attending a get together at Bellomont, Lily comes to realize,"That if the ladies at Bellomont permitted themselves to criticize her friends openly, it was a proof that they were not afraid of subjecting her to the same treatment behind her back."(Wharton,106). These people she is surrounding herself with are not afraid to voice their distaste on any out of line affair. Gossip is a fairly common activity practiced in this class and it travels quite quickly to top things off. Even Ms.Bart admits to being aware of her devious actions, but she is by no means remorseful enough to quit her ways. Lily is using Gus Trenor for money, maintaining a friendship with Mr.Rosedale's because of a secret, and making acquaintances with the Dorset's for "social sanction". She is living in a vicious circle of lies and illusions. All these relationship, all these people, they mean nothing. She has nothing. The only person who actually cares for her, Selden that is, she pushes away because he is not good enough! It's really hard to feel bad for her because all her problems are reactions of her own selfish ways.
Blog #8
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over chapter 11
I was very impressed by the manner in which chapter eleven was written. Though the story is mostly centered around the actions and whereabouts of Lily, this chapter contrarily follows the mind of Grace Stepney. It is made very evident early in this chapter that Ms.Stepney is not a fan of Ms.Lily Bart. After being excluded from one of Mrs.Peniston's dinner parties, Grace seeks her revenge through revealing to Mrs.Peniston all Lily's current conspicuous affairs. Not only is Grace causing distress for Mrs.Peniston, but she is always insinuating that people are beginning to talk poorly about Lily. This girl is vicious. One unattended dinner party and she decides to reveal social damaging secrets. All her built up anger is based off insufficient insinuation to top it all off. She simply assumes Lily is the tyrant behind her not receiving an invitation because she is under the impression that Lilly doesn't like her. It is stated,"She did not dislike Lily because the latter was brilliant and predominant, but because she thought that Lily disliked her.It is less mortifying to believe one's self unpopular than insignificant."(Wharton, 100). The only reason Miss Stepney even comes to this conclusion is due to her own insecurities. The author comments,"Miss Stepney knew exactly what had happened. Lily, to whom family reunions were occasions of unalloyed dullness, had persuaded her aunt that a dinner of "smart" people would be much more to the taste of the young couple."(Wharton,100). In order to prove that she is in fact not insignificant, Grace feels the need to use what little power she does have over Lily and use it to her best advantage. This scene in the novel creates a clever way to say a simple thing. Other than having Lily hear people talking about her or being confronted by an upset friend, readers are thrown right into the gossip, experiencing the situation first hand.
Analysis over chapter 11
I was very impressed by the manner in which chapter eleven was written. Though the story is mostly centered around the actions and whereabouts of Lily, this chapter contrarily follows the mind of Grace Stepney. It is made very evident early in this chapter that Ms.Stepney is not a fan of Ms.Lily Bart. After being excluded from one of Mrs.Peniston's dinner parties, Grace seeks her revenge through revealing to Mrs.Peniston all Lily's current conspicuous affairs. Not only is Grace causing distress for Mrs.Peniston, but she is always insinuating that people are beginning to talk poorly about Lily. This girl is vicious. One unattended dinner party and she decides to reveal social damaging secrets. All her built up anger is based off insufficient insinuation to top it all off. She simply assumes Lily is the tyrant behind her not receiving an invitation because she is under the impression that Lilly doesn't like her. It is stated,"She did not dislike Lily because the latter was brilliant and predominant, but because she thought that Lily disliked her.It is less mortifying to believe one's self unpopular than insignificant."(Wharton, 100). The only reason Miss Stepney even comes to this conclusion is due to her own insecurities. The author comments,"Miss Stepney knew exactly what had happened. Lily, to whom family reunions were occasions of unalloyed dullness, had persuaded her aunt that a dinner of "smart" people would be much more to the taste of the young couple."(Wharton,100). In order to prove that she is in fact not insignificant, Grace feels the need to use what little power she does have over Lily and use it to her best advantage. This scene in the novel creates a clever way to say a simple thing. Other than having Lily hear people talking about her or being confronted by an upset friend, readers are thrown right into the gossip, experiencing the situation first hand.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Blog #7
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over chapters 9
I just didn't like this chapter- the dark dreariness of it just depressed me and bored me. The setting of this chapter, Mrs. Peniston's house, creates a dull and dry aspect to the novel that corresponds well with Lily's feelings. Due to her less than fortunate experience at the Van Osburgh wedding, Lily takes refuge at her aunt's house to indulge in her self disgust. After hearing of the engagement of Mr.Gryce and Ms.Van Osburgh, she feels less than adequate.
The foreshadowing in this chapter plays a key role of maintaining interest for the reader. Lily receives the letters from Mrs. Dorset to Mr. Selden and at first it appears she is going to do the respectful and wise thing and destroy the letters, but after the growing pain of animosity toward Mrs.Dorset, she decides to keep them. It's more than obvious she intends to use these letters as blackmail, but I'm unsure as to how she will execute this potential threat to aid in Mrs. Dorset's downfall. What could Lily do that would ruin Mrs.Dorset's reputation? And what could Lily do with these letters that wouldn't hurt Selden as well? I'm hoping she has not stooped low enough to sacrifice Mr.Selden's well being solely for revenge. Lilly fell short of good moral when "She no longer meant to destroy them; that intention had been effaced by the quick corrosion of Mrs. Peniston's words."(Wharton, 89). I have a strong inclination that this will not end well.
Analysis over chapters 9
I just didn't like this chapter- the dark dreariness of it just depressed me and bored me. The setting of this chapter, Mrs. Peniston's house, creates a dull and dry aspect to the novel that corresponds well with Lily's feelings. Due to her less than fortunate experience at the Van Osburgh wedding, Lily takes refuge at her aunt's house to indulge in her self disgust. After hearing of the engagement of Mr.Gryce and Ms.Van Osburgh, she feels less than adequate.
The foreshadowing in this chapter plays a key role of maintaining interest for the reader. Lily receives the letters from Mrs. Dorset to Mr. Selden and at first it appears she is going to do the respectful and wise thing and destroy the letters, but after the growing pain of animosity toward Mrs.Dorset, she decides to keep them. It's more than obvious she intends to use these letters as blackmail, but I'm unsure as to how she will execute this potential threat to aid in Mrs. Dorset's downfall. What could Lily do that would ruin Mrs.Dorset's reputation? And what could Lily do with these letters that wouldn't hurt Selden as well? I'm hoping she has not stooped low enough to sacrifice Mr.Selden's well being solely for revenge. Lilly fell short of good moral when "She no longer meant to destroy them; that intention had been effaced by the quick corrosion of Mrs. Peniston's words."(Wharton, 89). I have a strong inclination that this will not end well.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Blog #6
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over chapters 6
Money and secrets. That appears to be the theme of this conspicuous chapter. Lily's new found stock investments brings her quick success, which ultimately boost her confidence and fills her with superiority. Her recent "friendship" made with Mr.Trenor appears to be beneficial for now, but I am positive it will take a turn for the worst. Lily may feel all powerful and mighty now, but it's simply impossible for Lily to keep this secret relationship with Mr.Trenor without things getting messy. Although she is not lying to Mrs.Trenor, nor sneaking around behind her back, it is clear that Mrs.Trenor is completely unaware of her husbands evident attraction to Ms.Bart. How can Lily can be so selfish? Is she truly willing to risk her friendship with Mrs.Trenor all for the prize of money? Also, Mr.Trenor is accepting nice smiles and brisk hand holding for now, but eventually he is going to want more. He nonchalantly adds in a conversation with Lily, "Why can't you come back to Bellomont this evening? We're all alone..."(Wharton,75). He's insinuating that he is not just helping her money problems, he mean business, and not the appropriate kind.
Secret are not just created in this chapter, but also unravel. When Lily and Selden are found in a moment of quite conversation, they are interrupted by the presence of Mr.Rosedale. Lily makes it quite clear that she is not fond of his presence, and in retaliation he makes a remark about her "dress keeper"at the Benedick. Selden seems to pick on this quite quickly and Lily makes her means to escape before she sees his response. At a final dramatic end to the chapter, the engagement of Mr.Gryce and Evie Van Osburgh is brought to Lily's attention. Now Lily is right back to where she started on her man hunt and I can't help but feel is suites her right. I would not be satisfied to see her manipulative ways bring her "happiness".
Blog #5
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over chapter 7
Throughout every chapter of The House of Mirth, I become more aware and acquainted with Lily's manipulative ways. Though this characteristic has been, and I presume will continue to be beneficial to Lily, I feel that in the grand scheme of things, this will ultimately be a character fault. As see in chapter seven, Lily simply flashes her innocent smile and bashes her eye lashes and she gets what she wants. In order to get out of any distressing situation she may find herself caught up in, she uses other people, usually men, to help lift the weight off her shoulder. When she picks up Mr.Trenor from the station, she deludes him into feeling pity for her, knowing that he will help her as long as she makes him feel prerequisite and special. Lily states, " I thought you would understand; that's why I wanted to speak to you."(Wharton,67). This may appear genuine and sincere, but at this point, Lily is only worried about what is in her best interest. She goes far enough to let Mr.Trenor rest his hand on hers solely to seal the deal. Yes, this is an innocent act, but it is clear that Mr.Trenor is attracted to Lily and to make matters worse, Mrs.Trenor is Lily's best friend. Once Mr.Trenor had agreed to helping Lily with stocks, she expresses her relief, "Again she felt the lightening of her load, and with it the release of repressed activities."(Wharton,68). Yes, Lily's burden has been lifted, but does she never feel remorseful for the way she connives and swindles people? Even when Lily learns Mr.Gryce had left because Lily canceled their walk, she shows little concern because she knows she'll still have her way with him. She knows what interests him and what will make him feel comfortable and she puts that to her advantage.
Blog #4
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over chapters 5 and 6
As the events at Bellomont continue to progress, so does the relationship between Lily Bart and Lawrence Selden in chapters five and six. The combination of light weather and the approaching autumn season inspire Lily to take part in impulse and truancy. Although her first and more responsible plan was to attend church and impress the wealthy bachelor, Mr.Gryce, Lily was contrarily guided to take a more blissful route. This rapid change in setting, from high class parties to wooden paths and gardens, seem to symbolism the potential change in Lily's demeanor. Before this point in the novel, Lily was undoubtedly consumed with the lust for wealth, but after a few run ins with Mr.Selden, a desire to live freely arises in Lily as well. Walking with Selden, gazing at the "sunlit pasture" and "the lingering green of an oak grove", Lily's mood begins to correspond with the surrounding nature. Lily thinks to herself, "She found something of herself in the calmness, its breadth, its long free reaches."(Wharton, 51). Experiencing this glimpse of abandonment, Lily discovers her sense of buoyancy and emancipation. She is constantly battling between what she truly wants and what she thinks she needs. She wants to be free like Lawrence, to attain the "personal freedom" Selden describes as success, but at the same time, she is overly obsessed with the glamour and security that comes with wealth. I know Lily loves Selden though, and I think she would give up wealth to be with him...I can't help but feel a great deal of pity for Mr.Selden because he is so aware of the fact that he cannot provide Lily with the life she craves. Selden admits to Lily, "Isn't it natural that I should try to belittle all the things I can't offer you?"(Wharton, 58). Their forbidden loves continues to tug at my girlish heart and I can't help but hope they end up together.
Analysis over chapters 5 and 6
As the events at Bellomont continue to progress, so does the relationship between Lily Bart and Lawrence Selden in chapters five and six. The combination of light weather and the approaching autumn season inspire Lily to take part in impulse and truancy. Although her first and more responsible plan was to attend church and impress the wealthy bachelor, Mr.Gryce, Lily was contrarily guided to take a more blissful route. This rapid change in setting, from high class parties to wooden paths and gardens, seem to symbolism the potential change in Lily's demeanor. Before this point in the novel, Lily was undoubtedly consumed with the lust for wealth, but after a few run ins with Mr.Selden, a desire to live freely arises in Lily as well. Walking with Selden, gazing at the "sunlit pasture" and "the lingering green of an oak grove", Lily's mood begins to correspond with the surrounding nature. Lily thinks to herself, "She found something of herself in the calmness, its breadth, its long free reaches."(Wharton, 51). Experiencing this glimpse of abandonment, Lily discovers her sense of buoyancy and emancipation. She is constantly battling between what she truly wants and what she thinks she needs. She wants to be free like Lawrence, to attain the "personal freedom" Selden describes as success, but at the same time, she is overly obsessed with the glamour and security that comes with wealth. I know Lily loves Selden though, and I think she would give up wealth to be with him...I can't help but feel a great deal of pity for Mr.Selden because he is so aware of the fact that he cannot provide Lily with the life she craves. Selden admits to Lily, "Isn't it natural that I should try to belittle all the things I can't offer you?"(Wharton, 58). Their forbidden loves continues to tug at my girlish heart and I can't help but hope they end up together.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Blog #3
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over chapter 4
Immediately beginning chapter four of The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, I felt a great pang of annoyance towards Mrs.Trenor. Not only was reading all her babbling rather boring, it was also extremely confusing and complex. I was clueless as to whom she was talking about and frankly, what in the world was going on. The gossip continues for sometime and although there were points when I somewhat understood, for the most part it was a big blur. Eventually, I picked up on how Mrs.Trenor is very keen that Mr.Seldon comes to the party, but Lily protest. I'm not sure if Lily doesn't want Mr.Seldon to come because she has feelings for him but knows she can't be with him because his not wealthy, or because she is embarrassed to be around him due to her run in with Mr.Rosedale. I was starting to believe it was possible that Lily did indeed have feelings for Mr.Seldon, but then she surprised me by making a comment about Mr.Gryce, "I only mean to say that Mr.Gryce and I are getting to be very good friends."(Wharton,35). Following that comment, Mrs.Trenor practically called her a gold-digger, which, in all reality, is true when it comes to Mr.Gryce. In the end of the chapter though, I was more than pleased with the arrival of Mr.Seldon. It is more than clear that Lily is drawn to him for some reason. While reading, I often experience the internal battle she is having in her mind. She so desperately wants to be apart of the upper class social circle, but I think she also knows she doesn't really belong...
Analysis over chapter 4
Immediately beginning chapter four of The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, I felt a great pang of annoyance towards Mrs.Trenor. Not only was reading all her babbling rather boring, it was also extremely confusing and complex. I was clueless as to whom she was talking about and frankly, what in the world was going on. The gossip continues for sometime and although there were points when I somewhat understood, for the most part it was a big blur. Eventually, I picked up on how Mrs.Trenor is very keen that Mr.Seldon comes to the party, but Lily protest. I'm not sure if Lily doesn't want Mr.Seldon to come because she has feelings for him but knows she can't be with him because his not wealthy, or because she is embarrassed to be around him due to her run in with Mr.Rosedale. I was starting to believe it was possible that Lily did indeed have feelings for Mr.Seldon, but then she surprised me by making a comment about Mr.Gryce, "I only mean to say that Mr.Gryce and I are getting to be very good friends."(Wharton,35). Following that comment, Mrs.Trenor practically called her a gold-digger, which, in all reality, is true when it comes to Mr.Gryce. In the end of the chapter though, I was more than pleased with the arrival of Mr.Seldon. It is more than clear that Lily is drawn to him for some reason. While reading, I often experience the internal battle she is having in her mind. She so desperately wants to be apart of the upper class social circle, but I think she also knows she doesn't really belong...
Blog #2
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over chapter 3
In chapter three of The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, readers are introduced to Mrs.Bart and Mr.Bart. Being members of high class society, the Bart family, especially Mrs.Bart, found great importance in withholding the expectation of the upper class. As a young girl, Lily was warned by her mother of the dullness and dinginess that came with poverty. When Lily's fathers lost his wealth and became ill, it was imposed on Lily's mind that marrying rich would be the only way to avert the forbidden life of poverty. Although Lily was only a young girl when this event occurred, it is clear she still holds these ideas close. Instead of searching for a man she actually loves, Lily is willing to settle for wealth. It appears in many ways she wishes to escape the rules and standards of the upper class, yet is too apprehensive to leave behind the wealthy lifestyle. Reminiscing on her youth, Lilly is reminded of her mothers philosophy,"What was the use of living if one had to live like a pig?"(Wharton,26). To Lily, there is no other way to live other than to live wealthy. Due to her mothers persistence and display of repulsion toward the poor, Lily will now never lower her high standards for life.
Along with Lily's mother, Mrs.Peniston played an important role in the development of Lily Bart. Much more passive and frugal than Lily's mothers, Mrs.Peniston exploited the motion of saving ones resources and living rather docile. Although this form of living didn't alter the mindset Lily had learned from her mother, I feel that Lily unknowingly has acquired some of Mrs.Peniston's habits. It appears that during her upbringing though, Lily feels an error had occurred. I think she feels that something went wrong or she would be married by now... I'm interested in seeing if this idea could be plausible.
Analysis over chapter 3
In chapter three of The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, readers are introduced to Mrs.Bart and Mr.Bart. Being members of high class society, the Bart family, especially Mrs.Bart, found great importance in withholding the expectation of the upper class. As a young girl, Lily was warned by her mother of the dullness and dinginess that came with poverty. When Lily's fathers lost his wealth and became ill, it was imposed on Lily's mind that marrying rich would be the only way to avert the forbidden life of poverty. Although Lily was only a young girl when this event occurred, it is clear she still holds these ideas close. Instead of searching for a man she actually loves, Lily is willing to settle for wealth. It appears in many ways she wishes to escape the rules and standards of the upper class, yet is too apprehensive to leave behind the wealthy lifestyle. Reminiscing on her youth, Lilly is reminded of her mothers philosophy,"What was the use of living if one had to live like a pig?"(Wharton,26). To Lily, there is no other way to live other than to live wealthy. Due to her mothers persistence and display of repulsion toward the poor, Lily will now never lower her high standards for life.
Along with Lily's mother, Mrs.Peniston played an important role in the development of Lily Bart. Much more passive and frugal than Lily's mothers, Mrs.Peniston exploited the motion of saving ones resources and living rather docile. Although this form of living didn't alter the mindset Lily had learned from her mother, I feel that Lily unknowingly has acquired some of Mrs.Peniston's habits. It appears that during her upbringing though, Lily feels an error had occurred. I think she feels that something went wrong or she would be married by now... I'm interested in seeing if this idea could be plausible.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Blog #1
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Analysis over chapters 1-2
After reading just a few sentences of The House of Mirth, it is clear that Ms.Lily Bart will be the main character of this novel. Although she is apart of high class society, it is evident that she is not found of the standards and expectations she is forced to live under. At the same time though, when Lily is having tea with Mr.Selden, she is very blunt about how she could never live a lifestyle such as his. Lily makes comments like, "Don't you ever mind not being rich enough to buy all the books you want?"(Wharton,8) Lily desires a life free from the guidelines and principles young, marriageable women must follow, yet she does not wish to abandon her wealthy livelihood.
Although I may be false on this accusations, I can't help but feel Lily is on some form of a man hunt. When she sees Mr.Selden at Grand Central Station, she immediately swings her rope and lassos him in, using her manipulative wits and charms to capture Mr.Selden's attention. This kind of behavior is seen again when Lily boards her train and is longing for company and conversations. She finds the timid Mr.Percy Gryce and uses her cunning ticks to catch her prey. Lily is very aware of the power she has over people, men in particular. This behavior is noted in the novel when the author states, "She had the art of giving self-confidence to the embarrassed"(Wharton, 13) and again when Lily is listening to Mr.Gryce, "She questioned him intelligently, she heard him submissively; and, prepared for the look of lassitude which usually crept over the listeners face."(Wharton, 15) I will be curious to see if this form of behavior continues as the novel progresses.
Analysis over chapters 1-2
After reading just a few sentences of The House of Mirth, it is clear that Ms.Lily Bart will be the main character of this novel. Although she is apart of high class society, it is evident that she is not found of the standards and expectations she is forced to live under. At the same time though, when Lily is having tea with Mr.Selden, she is very blunt about how she could never live a lifestyle such as his. Lily makes comments like, "Don't you ever mind not being rich enough to buy all the books you want?"(Wharton,8) Lily desires a life free from the guidelines and principles young, marriageable women must follow, yet she does not wish to abandon her wealthy livelihood.
Although I may be false on this accusations, I can't help but feel Lily is on some form of a man hunt. When she sees Mr.Selden at Grand Central Station, she immediately swings her rope and lassos him in, using her manipulative wits and charms to capture Mr.Selden's attention. This kind of behavior is seen again when Lily boards her train and is longing for company and conversations. She finds the timid Mr.Percy Gryce and uses her cunning ticks to catch her prey. Lily is very aware of the power she has over people, men in particular. This behavior is noted in the novel when the author states, "She had the art of giving self-confidence to the embarrassed"(Wharton, 13) and again when Lily is listening to Mr.Gryce, "She questioned him intelligently, she heard him submissively; and, prepared for the look of lassitude which usually crept over the listeners face."(Wharton, 15) I will be curious to see if this form of behavior continues as the novel progresses.
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