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.