The House of Mirth (Book II)
Chapter XIV (a.k.a.-the most unsatisfying ending ever)
WHY?! Why did Lily have to die?! I mean, I saw it coming, yes, but I was hoping I would be wrong! After reading the entirety of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, working through every overly descriptive passage, and we don't even get a happy ending out of it?! I'm incredibly unsatisfied-not to mention, heartbroken as well. In complete honesty, I found myself tearing up when I read, "It was this moment of love, this fleeting victory over themselves....which in her, had reached out to him in every struggle against the influence of her surroundings, and in him, had kept alive the faith that now drew him penitent and reconciled by her side" (Wharton, 268). So incredibly heartbreaking is the fact that the couple was unable to find peace until Miss Bart's death-when she was finally able to escape.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Following the ups and downs of Lily Bart was at times frustrating (mostly the times when she would push Selden away) but suspenseful as well. She was an unpredictable character who always had a secret agenda for herself that she facilitated through her relationships with others. Sadly, this ultimately led to her downfall, which came in the form of suicide. All along, I was hoping Selden would finally step up as her "knight in shining armor" and save her once and for all from the binding and unhappy "society" of the wealthy. If she had simply married him after their encounter at Bellomont near the beginning of the story, she would have learned to live a happy modest life. Apparently this would have been too satisfying for the reader, so naturally, Wharton opted for a life of misery, culminating with death by suicide. Awesome.
I believe I learned to appreciate the writing style of Edith Wharton; to say I learned to enjoy her style, might be getting a little ahead of myself. Her heavy discription and occasional wacko sentence structure was at times to follow, but as I neared the end of the novel, I was breezing through ten pages an hour as opposed to five. But hey, the little victories in life mean the most, right?
I am excited to admit that I do feel more inteligent after reading this novel. I enjoy reading "classics" and exposing myself to new literature. Not to mention, the next time someone at the dinner table wants to discuss the multitude of internal conflicts Miss Lily Bart experienced in The House of Mirth, I will be the first to speak up!! Heck yeah.
I can not say I am not excited to be done with Novel #1, however. I'm definitely ready to see what The Great Gatsby has in store for me. Bring it on, F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Not Liking the Omen
The House of Mirth (Book II)
Chapter XII
In this chapter of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, the change in the actions and spirit of Lily Bart are made quite obvious. During her visit with Selden, every move she makes carries with it a sense of weakness and hopelessness. For example, such lines as "Her voice had gathered strength, and she looked him gravely in the eyes as she continued, 'Once-twice-you gave me the chance to escape from my life, and I refused it: refused it because I was a coward'" (Wharton, 250) make the reader feel as if Miss Bart is worn out and alone. She has returned to Selden at a time of desperation, the once person she has always felt a unique connection with.
In this chapter, I could not help but notice the ominous choice of diction that Wharton has chosen. For instance, use of words such as "death-pang" (Wharton, 249) and phrases such as "Something in the truth lay dead between them" (Wharton, 251) and "...the love she had killed in him" (Wharton, 251) all carry a sense of forboding. What is to come next? This chapter has made me realize that Lily is slowly giving up the upkeep of a rich lifestyle. Her lack of sleep is making it difficult for her to even make it through the day, and her relationships are suffering. Despite this result, however, she is still able to connect with Selden, even at such a low point in her life. This is yet another sign of their "star-crossed" love. Nonetheless, I believe it is too late to save Miss Lily Bart, and I dread what comes next.
Chapter XII
In this chapter of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, the change in the actions and spirit of Lily Bart are made quite obvious. During her visit with Selden, every move she makes carries with it a sense of weakness and hopelessness. For example, such lines as "Her voice had gathered strength, and she looked him gravely in the eyes as she continued, 'Once-twice-you gave me the chance to escape from my life, and I refused it: refused it because I was a coward'" (Wharton, 250) make the reader feel as if Miss Bart is worn out and alone. She has returned to Selden at a time of desperation, the once person she has always felt a unique connection with.
In this chapter, I could not help but notice the ominous choice of diction that Wharton has chosen. For instance, use of words such as "death-pang" (Wharton, 249) and phrases such as "Something in the truth lay dead between them" (Wharton, 251) and "...the love she had killed in him" (Wharton, 251) all carry a sense of forboding. What is to come next? This chapter has made me realize that Lily is slowly giving up the upkeep of a rich lifestyle. Her lack of sleep is making it difficult for her to even make it through the day, and her relationships are suffering. Despite this result, however, she is still able to connect with Selden, even at such a low point in her life. This is yet another sign of their "star-crossed" love. Nonetheless, I believe it is too late to save Miss Lily Bart, and I dread what comes next.
Lily vs. Gerty
The House of Mirth (Book II)
Chapter VIII
Throughout Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, the differences between Lily Bart and Gerty Farish have been quite evident: Lily fears a life of poverty; Gerty accepts her less-than-dazzling lifestyle. Lily acts on selfish desires and feelings, always manipulating others for her own achievement; Gerty is selfless and willing to put her own feelings aside to help others (ie-disregard for her feelings for Selden to console Miss Bart). Lily expects a man to come along to pay her debts and take care of her; Gerty works for a living.
Despite such differences, the women are close friends. Further analyzing this realtionship, I realized that Gerty acts as foil character in contrast to Miss Bart. The two women balance seem to balance eachother out. As I began to form this idea, I came across this passage of the story: "There was something irritating to her in the mute interrogation of Gerty's sympathy: she felt the real difficulties of her situation to be incommunicable to anyone whose theory of values was so different from her own, and the restrictions of Gerty's life, which had once had the charm of contrast, now reminded her too painfully of the limits to which her own existence was shrinking" (Wharton, 213). After read this quote from the novel, my notion was confirmed. The contrasts are so evident! I guess they do say, "Opposites attract!"
Chapter VIII
Throughout Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, the differences between Lily Bart and Gerty Farish have been quite evident: Lily fears a life of poverty; Gerty accepts her less-than-dazzling lifestyle. Lily acts on selfish desires and feelings, always manipulating others for her own achievement; Gerty is selfless and willing to put her own feelings aside to help others (ie-disregard for her feelings for Selden to console Miss Bart). Lily expects a man to come along to pay her debts and take care of her; Gerty works for a living. 
Despite such differences, the women are close friends. Further analyzing this realtionship, I realized that Gerty acts as foil character in contrast to Miss Bart. The two women balance seem to balance eachother out. As I began to form this idea, I came across this passage of the story: "There was something irritating to her in the mute interrogation of Gerty's sympathy: she felt the real difficulties of her situation to be incommunicable to anyone whose theory of values was so different from her own, and the restrictions of Gerty's life, which had once had the charm of contrast, now reminded her too painfully of the limits to which her own existence was shrinking" (Wharton, 213). After read this quote from the novel, my notion was confirmed. The contrasts are so evident! I guess they do say, "Opposites attract!" An Internally External Conflicting Conflict
The House of Mirth (Book II)
Chapters VII & VIII
In these two chapters of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, the reader witnesses a clash between the internal and external conflicts of Lily Bart. One see's Bart attempt to use the motivations of one to solve the other.
At this point in the story, the enmity between Bertha Dorset and Miss Bart is clearly the latter's external conflict. Once again, Mrs. Dorset is spreading horrific stories about Lily; this proves truly damaging to Bart's reputation when she informs Rosedale that she has agreed to marry him. Rosedale says to Lily, "I don't believe the stories about you-I don't want to believe them. But they're there, and my not believing them ain't going to alter the situation....I'm more in love with you than ever, but if I married you now I'd queer myself for good and all, and everthing I've worked for all these years would be wasted" ( Wharton, 207-208). Before this encounter between Lily and Mr. Rosedale, the internal conflict of the former was whether or not to agree to marry Rosedale, George Dorset, or neither. However, due to the aftermath of Lily's external conflict, the decisions she made on behalf of her internal conflict are disrupted, thus creating a new internal conflict that could possibly lead to an advance in her external conflict (that is a lot of conflict :O). To clarify my thought process, now Lily must decide (internal conflict) whether or not she will blackmail Bertha, either with the letters from earlier in the story (that say who knows what?!) or by exercising her power over George Dorset's affection, in order to stop the spread of the strories that have ruined her reputation. Choosing to blackmail would then create new boundaries for the external conflict between the two women. This is appealing to Lily because she would be in control once again, and an improved reputation would cause men like Rosedale to desire to marry her once again. Oh my.
I sure hope Lily choses to blackmail Bertha-that woman is a snob!
Chapters VII & VIII
In these two chapters of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, the reader witnesses a clash between the internal and external conflicts of Lily Bart. One see's Bart attempt to use the motivations of one to solve the other.
At this point in the story, the enmity between Bertha Dorset and Miss Bart is clearly the latter's external conflict. Once again, Mrs. Dorset is spreading horrific stories about Lily; this proves truly damaging to Bart's reputation when she informs Rosedale that she has agreed to marry him. Rosedale says to Lily, "I don't believe the stories about you-I don't want to believe them. But they're there, and my not believing them ain't going to alter the situation....I'm more in love with you than ever, but if I married you now I'd queer myself for good and all, and everthing I've worked for all these years would be wasted" ( Wharton, 207-208). Before this encounter between Lily and Mr. Rosedale, the internal conflict of the former was whether or not to agree to marry Rosedale, George Dorset, or neither. However, due to the aftermath of Lily's external conflict, the decisions she made on behalf of her internal conflict are disrupted, thus creating a new internal conflict that could possibly lead to an advance in her external conflict (that is a lot of conflict :O). To clarify my thought process, now Lily must decide (internal conflict) whether or not she will blackmail Bertha, either with the letters from earlier in the story (that say who knows what?!) or by exercising her power over George Dorset's affection, in order to stop the spread of the strories that have ruined her reputation. Choosing to blackmail would then create new boundaries for the external conflict between the two women. This is appealing to Lily because she would be in control once again, and an improved reputation would cause men like Rosedale to desire to marry her once again. Oh my.
I sure hope Lily choses to blackmail Bertha-that woman is a snob!
The Manipulation Continues
The House of Mirth (Book II)
Chapters V & VI
Near the end of Chapter V of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, Miss Bart ponders once more a marriage with Mr. Rosedale. She is well aware of the fact that he strongly admires her. However, she believes that this admiration stems predominantly from the potential she has to raise and strengthen his status in "society." Rosedale claims that a wife is the last piece he needs in order to exploit his new found wealth and social status. Knowing this, Lily, with her instinctual desire to always be in control, contemplates making Rosedale genuinely fall in love with her-"What if she made him marry her for love...."(Wharton, 195). This is just another example of Miss Bart's manipulative manner. Relationships must always stand on her own terms, and if not, she will eventually make them so.
When reading this, I was reminded of the plot of the movie 27 Dresses. In the film, a woman named Jane is "always, always, always a bridesmaid." She longs to fall in love and get married as many of her friends have, but she has trouble finding the right man. That is, until a news reporter named Kevin enters the picture. Jane begins to fall for Kevin; little does she know, however, that Kevin is secretly developing a close relationship with her in order to write an article on her astounding number of appearances as a bridesmaid. At the climax of the movie, Jane is heartbroken at the discovery of Kevin's secret. He had made her fall in love with him for the wrong reason, much similar to the plan Miss Bart is formulating for Mr. Rosedale.
Chapters V & VI
Near the end of Chapter V of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, Miss Bart ponders once more a marriage with Mr. Rosedale. She is well aware of the fact that he strongly admires her. However, she believes that this admiration stems predominantly from the potential she has to raise and strengthen his status in "society." Rosedale claims that a wife is the last piece he needs in order to exploit his new found wealth and social status. Knowing this, Lily, with her instinctual desire to always be in control, contemplates making Rosedale genuinely fall in love with her-"What if she made him marry her for love...."(Wharton, 195). This is just another example of Miss Bart's manipulative manner. Relationships must always stand on her own terms, and if not, she will eventually make them so.
When reading this, I was reminded of the plot of the movie 27 Dresses. In the film, a woman named Jane is "always, always, always a bridesmaid." She longs to fall in love and get married as many of her friends have, but she has trouble finding the right man. That is, until a news reporter named Kevin enters the picture. Jane begins to fall for Kevin; little does she know, however, that Kevin is secretly developing a close relationship with her in order to write an article on her astounding number of appearances as a bridesmaid. At the climax of the movie, Jane is heartbroken at the discovery of Kevin's secret. He had made her fall in love with him for the wrong reason, much similar to the plan Miss Bart is formulating for Mr. Rosedale.
I have decided that Miss Bart's manipulative manner is clearly her hubris. As I predicted earlier, her manipulation has lead to her loneliness throughout the novel, yet she continues to exercise it. Though intially appealing to her, such action has continually lead to her downfall.
A Love Inseperable by the Hand of Fate (awww)
The House of Mirth (Book II)
Just Some Thoughts
So, did anyone else find it a little suspicious that JUST as Lily read about Selden's leaving-"'Mr. Lawrence Selden was among the passengers sailing this afternoon for Havana and the West Indies on the Windward Liner Antilles'" (Wharton, 145)-she happened to receive a letter from the Dorsets requesting her company on a "cruise in Mediterranean" (Wharton, 146)? I mean, for a while I didn't think anything of it, but then it struck me. The love of Lily and Selden is FATE!
I feel as if this is Wharton's representation to the keen reader that the strong relationship (most likely looove) between the two can not be broken. Even his attempt to leave her and the country itself behind fails. Just when it seems as if the couple will never reunite, fate brings them together. Here are some examples so far:
1. When Lily went to Bellomont at the beginning of the story, and Selden initially declined the invitation but later, mysteriously changed his mind.
2. The example in the paragraph above.
3. While in Europe, the arguement between the Dorsets happened to bring the two together once more.
Those are just a few! This is so clear to me now. I am eager to be on the lookout for more of these clues in Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth. This is destiny.
Just Some Thoughts
So, did anyone else find it a little suspicious that JUST as Lily read about Selden's leaving-"'Mr. Lawrence Selden was among the passengers sailing this afternoon for Havana and the West Indies on the Windward Liner Antilles'" (Wharton, 145)-she happened to receive a letter from the Dorsets requesting her company on a "cruise in Mediterranean" (Wharton, 146)? I mean, for a while I didn't think anything of it, but then it struck me. The love of Lily and Selden is FATE!
I feel as if this is Wharton's representation to the keen reader that the strong relationship (most likely looove) between the two can not be broken. Even his attempt to leave her and the country itself behind fails. Just when it seems as if the couple will never reunite, fate brings them together. Here are some examples so far:
1. When Lily went to Bellomont at the beginning of the story, and Selden initially declined the invitation but later, mysteriously changed his mind.
2. The example in the paragraph above.
3. While in Europe, the arguement between the Dorsets happened to bring the two together once more.
Those are just a few! This is so clear to me now. I am eager to be on the lookout for more of these clues in Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth. This is destiny.
"The Unsinkable Molly Brown"
The House of Mirth (Book II)
Chapters I & II
The first part of Book II of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth focuses on Lily's time Europe with the Dorsets. Additionally, Lily and her companions cross the path of other members of their "society" from back home, including the "new-to-money" Bry couple. The Brys are still learning to fit in; veteran members of society are quick to judge their behavior, evident by Mrs. Fishers complaints to Lily saying, "'It's all very well to say that everybody with money can get into society; but it would be truer to say nearly anybody can. And the London market is so glutted with new Americans that, to succeed there now, they must be either very clever or awfull queer. The Brys are neither" (Wharton, 151). Mrs. Fishers attitude represents that of the "society" as a whole toward outsiders. This further emphasizes the exclusiveness and arogance of the group, making it more dislikeable for the reader. My hopes are that Wharton is slowly adding details like these to build up such dislikeableness (is that even a word?!), and that Lily will eventually leave the "society" all together to pursue happiness in her genuine relationships as opposed to money and materials.
When reading society's view of the Brys, I was reminded of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" character from the movie Titanic. At the beginning of the film, Rose quotes her mother in referring to Molly as "new money." Though wealthy and hoping to fit in with her peers, Molly is a down-to-earth and genuinely kind woman. However, similar to "society's" relation to the Brys, at one point in the movie, the wealthy ladies attempt to leave tea time in the dining room as quickly as possible in hopes to evade the approaching Molly Brown, whom they are embarassed to be seen with. This is another example to the exclusive attitude of the rich. Molly is an extremely likeable character; for this reason, I am hoping Wharton eventually turns Lily away from money and its evils and creates for her a likeable persona.
Sidenote: In reference to my previous "Selden the SK8R Boi" post, I have found this quote in Chapter I referring to Lily Bart's courting habits-further emphasizes my point!
"'That's Lily all over, you know: she works like a slave preparing the ground and sowing her seed; but the day she ought to be reaping the harvest she oversleeps herself or goes on a picnic" (Wharton, 152).
Chapters I & II
The first part of Book II of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth focuses on Lily's time Europe with the Dorsets. Additionally, Lily and her companions cross the path of other members of their "society" from back home, including the "new-to-money" Bry couple. The Brys are still learning to fit in; veteran members of society are quick to judge their behavior, evident by Mrs. Fishers complaints to Lily saying, "'It's all very well to say that everybody with money can get into society; but it would be truer to say nearly anybody can. And the London market is so glutted with new Americans that, to succeed there now, they must be either very clever or awfull queer. The Brys are neither" (Wharton, 151). Mrs. Fishers attitude represents that of the "society" as a whole toward outsiders. This further emphasizes the exclusiveness and arogance of the group, making it more dislikeable for the reader. My hopes are that Wharton is slowly adding details like these to build up such dislikeableness (is that even a word?!), and that Lily will eventually leave the "society" all together to pursue happiness in her genuine relationships as opposed to money and materials.
When reading society's view of the Brys, I was reminded of "The Unsinkable Molly Brown" character from the movie Titanic. At the beginning of the film, Rose quotes her mother in referring to Molly as "new money." Though wealthy and hoping to fit in with her peers, Molly is a down-to-earth and genuinely kind woman. However, similar to "society's" relation to the Brys, at one point in the movie, the wealthy ladies attempt to leave tea time in the dining room as quickly as possible in hopes to evade the approaching Molly Brown, whom they are embarassed to be seen with. This is another example to the exclusive attitude of the rich. Molly is an extremely likeable character; for this reason, I am hoping Wharton eventually turns Lily away from money and its evils and creates for her a likeable persona.
"'That's Lily all over, you know: she works like a slave preparing the ground and sowing her seed; but the day she ought to be reaping the harvest she oversleeps herself or goes on a picnic" (Wharton, 152).
Friday, July 13, 2012
You Sneaaaaky Edith!
The House of Mirth
Chapter XV
Rosedale is actually asking Miss Bart to marry him-I honestly never would have guessed it so! Though, I should not have had any problem in doing so, because flipping back, Wharton left so many forshadowing clues. For example, Lily's aquaintances warned her on multiple occasions that being "civil" to Mr. Rosedale would pay off. Gus Trenor said to Miss Bart at the Stepney wedding, "But there's one thing you might do for me; and that is, just to be a little civil to Rosedale....I don't believe two women have spoken to him this afternoon, and I can tell you he's a chap it pays to be decent to" (Wharton, 75). How did I not pick up on this?! Also, I absolutely admire Wharton's use of diction in such warnings. With the use of the word "pays" in this excerpt, she so heavily forshadows not only Rosedale's proposal, but also Bart's contemplation of acceptance in order to pay off her debts. HOW CLEVER!! THAT'S FANTASTIC! Such a realization has now opened so many doors of preception for each and every line of the novel. Each has the potential of holding a key part of plot before it even unfolds! Reading Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth is like a scavenger hunt; one must pick up on the clues. If not, then one can learn to appreciate them after certain events increase their lucidity.
Chapter XV
Rosedale is actually asking Miss Bart to marry him-I honestly never would have guessed it so! Though, I should not have had any problem in doing so, because flipping back, Wharton left so many forshadowing clues. For example, Lily's aquaintances warned her on multiple occasions that being "civil" to Mr. Rosedale would pay off. Gus Trenor said to Miss Bart at the Stepney wedding, "But there's one thing you might do for me; and that is, just to be a little civil to Rosedale....I don't believe two women have spoken to him this afternoon, and I can tell you he's a chap it pays to be decent to" (Wharton, 75). How did I not pick up on this?! Also, I absolutely admire Wharton's use of diction in such warnings. With the use of the word "pays" in this excerpt, she so heavily forshadows not only Rosedale's proposal, but also Bart's contemplation of acceptance in order to pay off her debts. HOW CLEVER!! THAT'S FANTASTIC! Such a realization has now opened so many doors of preception for each and every line of the novel. Each has the potential of holding a key part of plot before it even unfolds! Reading Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth is like a scavenger hunt; one must pick up on the clues. If not, then one can learn to appreciate them after certain events increase their lucidity.
A Prediction Fulfilled! (& Selden the SK8R Boi)
The House of Mirth
Chapters XIII & XIV
So much has happened in these two chapters of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth! Trenor finally confessed his feelings for Miss Bart, though heavily clouded by anger resentment. Additionally, the reader learns of Gerty Farish's love for her cousin Selden (What?! Incest?! EW.) which in turn, stimulated her hate for Lily. Oh, the humanity!
So, referring back to the encounter between Trenor and Miss Bart. How the emotions were running wild! Lily tried desperately to compose herself, but in truth, Trenor's words were difficult for her to bear. Miss Bart, a woman who had always prided herself on her ability to play on the emotions of others, now felt her own emotions beyond her control.
I believe this was a turning point for Miss Bart. Her manipulative manner, discussed in my first blog, had, in my opinion backfired, as I predicted. She pushed many people away and is still without a husband who will care for her financially. Thus, as I guessed, Lily was overcome with loneliness. Trenor's condemnation of Lily's debt to him seemed to be her breaking point. "Over and over her the sea of humiliation broke-wave crashing on wave so close that the moral shame was one with the physical dread. It seemed to her that self-esteem would have made her invulnderable-that it was her own dishonour which put a fearful solitude about her" (Wharton, 119). Her controlling abilities that normally brought her pleasure and comfort now brought misery. This emotional breakdown of hers was the unfortunate culmination of all of her manipulation. I saw this as a very humbling experience for Miss Bart. Thus far, Lily had wanted companionship that would provide for all her needs; however, even just for a moment, she put aside her expectations and simply longed for the love of a friend. "Lily had no heart to lean on....What Lily craved was the darkness made by enfolding arms, the silence which is not solitude, but compassion holding its breath" (Wharton, 121). At this point, I immediately thought of how Selden was the answer to her longing.
When reading this chapter, I was (as embarassed as I am to admit it) reminded of Avril Lavigne's SK8R Boi, a song I loved when I was about thirteen years old.
The chorus of the song reads:
He was a skater boy; she said see ya later boy.
He wasn't good enough for her.
She had a pretty face, but her head was up in space.
She needed to come back down to earth.
As the song continues...
Five years from now, she sits at home feeding the baby, she's all alone.
She turns on TV and guess who she sees?
Skater boy rockin' up MTV.
She calls up her friends.
They already know,
and they've all got tickets to see his show.
She tags along, stands in the crowd.
Looks up at the man that she turned down.
I feel as if this is actually a great representation of Miss Bart's situation. I confess that I have read on to the next chapter and see that the second set of lyrics is also fitting of her current situation with Selden. Miss Bart better be careful, or she will lose her true love for good.
Chapters XIII & XIV
So much has happened in these two chapters of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth! Trenor finally confessed his feelings for Miss Bart, though heavily clouded by anger resentment. Additionally, the reader learns of Gerty Farish's love for her cousin Selden (What?! Incest?! EW.) which in turn, stimulated her hate for Lily. Oh, the humanity!
So, referring back to the encounter between Trenor and Miss Bart. How the emotions were running wild! Lily tried desperately to compose herself, but in truth, Trenor's words were difficult for her to bear. Miss Bart, a woman who had always prided herself on her ability to play on the emotions of others, now felt her own emotions beyond her control.
I believe this was a turning point for Miss Bart. Her manipulative manner, discussed in my first blog, had, in my opinion backfired, as I predicted. She pushed many people away and is still without a husband who will care for her financially. Thus, as I guessed, Lily was overcome with loneliness. Trenor's condemnation of Lily's debt to him seemed to be her breaking point. "Over and over her the sea of humiliation broke-wave crashing on wave so close that the moral shame was one with the physical dread. It seemed to her that self-esteem would have made her invulnderable-that it was her own dishonour which put a fearful solitude about her" (Wharton, 119). Her controlling abilities that normally brought her pleasure and comfort now brought misery. This emotional breakdown of hers was the unfortunate culmination of all of her manipulation. I saw this as a very humbling experience for Miss Bart. Thus far, Lily had wanted companionship that would provide for all her needs; however, even just for a moment, she put aside her expectations and simply longed for the love of a friend. "Lily had no heart to lean on....What Lily craved was the darkness made by enfolding arms, the silence which is not solitude, but compassion holding its breath" (Wharton, 121). At this point, I immediately thought of how Selden was the answer to her longing.
When reading this chapter, I was (as embarassed as I am to admit it) reminded of Avril Lavigne's SK8R Boi, a song I loved when I was about thirteen years old.
The chorus of the song reads:
He was a skater boy; she said see ya later boy.
He wasn't good enough for her.
She had a pretty face, but her head was up in space.
She needed to come back down to earth.
As the song continues...
Five years from now, she sits at home feeding the baby, she's all alone.
She turns on TV and guess who she sees?
Skater boy rockin' up MTV.
She calls up her friends.
They already know,
and they've all got tickets to see his show.
She tags along, stands in the crowd.
Looks up at the man that she turned down.
I feel as if this is actually a great representation of Miss Bart's situation. I confess that I have read on to the next chapter and see that the second set of lyrics is also fitting of her current situation with Selden. Miss Bart better be careful, or she will lose her true love for good.
A Splendid Use of Metaphors
The House of Mirth
Chapters XI & XII
I am going to be honest. When I first picked up Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, I read about eight to ten pages an hour. I was often lost in her long descriptive sentences-by the I would reach the period at the end, I would forget who or what the sentence was even discussing! However, as I have read on, my patience has grown, and I have grown to appreciate (more) the style of Wharton. I am especially thankful, however, for her occasional use of metaphors, which help me to create better create a mental picture of a scene as well as understand the mindset of her characters. I have, thus far, found two examples of metaphors that proved to be quite helpful.
When referring to Jack Stepeney's taste in women:
"His own taste was in the line of less solid and more highly-seasoned diet; but hunger makes any fare platable, and there has been times when Mr. Stpeney had been reduced to a crust" (Wharton, 37-38).
When referring to the general loss of excess money among members of society due to hardships in the economy:
"But society, amused for a while at playing Cinderella, soon wearied of the hearthside role, and welcomed the Fairy Godmother in the shape of any magician pwerful enough to turn the shrunken pumpkin back agin into the golden coach" (Wharton, 98).
These metaphors paint fantastically vivid images for the reader! Though both are rather complex in senetence structure, they made understanding the issues at hand so much easier. My hat goes off to you, Edith Wharton. Nicely done.
Sidenote: I am so excited about the developing love between Selden and Miss Bart. I wanted to tear my hair out when she ran away after they kissed, however. I mean, come on!!
Chapters XI & XII
I am going to be honest. When I first picked up Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, I read about eight to ten pages an hour. I was often lost in her long descriptive sentences-by the I would reach the period at the end, I would forget who or what the sentence was even discussing! However, as I have read on, my patience has grown, and I have grown to appreciate (more) the style of Wharton. I am especially thankful, however, for her occasional use of metaphors, which help me to create better create a mental picture of a scene as well as understand the mindset of her characters. I have, thus far, found two examples of metaphors that proved to be quite helpful.
When referring to Jack Stepeney's taste in women:
"His own taste was in the line of less solid and more highly-seasoned diet; but hunger makes any fare platable, and there has been times when Mr. Stpeney had been reduced to a crust" (Wharton, 37-38).
When referring to the general loss of excess money among members of society due to hardships in the economy:
"But society, amused for a while at playing Cinderella, soon wearied of the hearthside role, and welcomed the Fairy Godmother in the shape of any magician pwerful enough to turn the shrunken pumpkin back agin into the golden coach" (Wharton, 98).
These metaphors paint fantastically vivid images for the reader! Though both are rather complex in senetence structure, they made understanding the issues at hand so much easier. My hat goes off to you, Edith Wharton. Nicely done.
Sidenote: I am so excited about the developing love between Selden and Miss Bart. I wanted to tear my hair out when she ran away after they kissed, however. I mean, come on!!
Lily Bart & The Gospel of Wealth?
The House of Mirth
Chapters IX & X
Thus far in Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, Miss Bart's motivations have almost entirely been driven by a desire for a wealthy lifestyle. Lily has always been envious of the lives of her friends who spend money freely on their respective desires. Once Gus Trenor was able to invest the little savings Lily had into the stock market and, thus, give her a taste of such a lifestyle, she was finally somewhat satisfied. However, until Chapter Ten, this satisfaction came only from spending her money in a selfish manner (dresses, jewels, travel, etc).
Nonetheless, in Chapter Ten, Miss Bart made a sizeable donation to the Miss Farish's Girls' House. From this action, Miss Bart received unexpected feelings of satisfaction.
"The satisfaction derived from this act was all that the most ardent moralist could have desired. Lily felt a new interest in herself as a person of charitable instincts: she had never before thought of doing good with the wealth she had so often dreamed of possesssing, but now her horizon was enlarged by the vision of a prodigal philanthropy" (Wharton, 91).
When reading this passage, the word "philanthropy" stimulated a connection to Andrew Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth, a concept a learned in Mrs. Bohn's APUSH class. It was Carnegie, the King of Carnegie Steel in the early 1900s, who believed that the wealthy should act as the benefactors of society, using their money to build libraries, parks, hospitals, or for other purposes that would work for improvement of society as a whole. In Carnegie's mind, the wealthy were the blessed members of society who not only had the opportunity, but rather the obligation to take care of the less fortunate. Here, Miss Bart is the first character in the book to even remotely adopt this mindset. The Trenors, Mr. Rosedale, and the other members of "society" continually spend their money on extravagant parties, priceless jewels, gambling, etc. I found this small excerpt of selflessness to be quite refreshing.
Chapters IX & X
Thus far in Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, Miss Bart's motivations have almost entirely been driven by a desire for a wealthy lifestyle. Lily has always been envious of the lives of her friends who spend money freely on their respective desires. Once Gus Trenor was able to invest the little savings Lily had into the stock market and, thus, give her a taste of such a lifestyle, she was finally somewhat satisfied. However, until Chapter Ten, this satisfaction came only from spending her money in a selfish manner (dresses, jewels, travel, etc).
Nonetheless, in Chapter Ten, Miss Bart made a sizeable donation to the Miss Farish's Girls' House. From this action, Miss Bart received unexpected feelings of satisfaction.
"The satisfaction derived from this act was all that the most ardent moralist could have desired. Lily felt a new interest in herself as a person of charitable instincts: she had never before thought of doing good with the wealth she had so often dreamed of possesssing, but now her horizon was enlarged by the vision of a prodigal philanthropy" (Wharton, 91).
When reading this passage, the word "philanthropy" stimulated a connection to Andrew Carnegie's Gospel of Wealth, a concept a learned in Mrs. Bohn's APUSH class. It was Carnegie, the King of Carnegie Steel in the early 1900s, who believed that the wealthy should act as the benefactors of society, using their money to build libraries, parks, hospitals, or for other purposes that would work for improvement of society as a whole. In Carnegie's mind, the wealthy were the blessed members of society who not only had the opportunity, but rather the obligation to take care of the less fortunate. Here, Miss Bart is the first character in the book to even remotely adopt this mindset. The Trenors, Mr. Rosedale, and the other members of "society" continually spend their money on extravagant parties, priceless jewels, gambling, etc. I found this small excerpt of selflessness to be quite refreshing.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Miss Lily Bart: The Antihero?
The House of Mirth
Chapters VII & VIII
As I read Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, I am continually struck by superficiality and insincerity of the characters. Simply put, the men are egotistical and the women are gold diggers! The book mainly concentrates on the women, however. For example, Mrs. Trenor states, "'It's too delightful of you to be so nice to him, and put up with all his tiresome stories. I know what they are, because I had to listen to them when we were engaged....'" (Wharton, 69). Moreover, of the poorer women at the wedding Lily thinks to herself, "It is almost as stupid to let your clothes betrat that you know you are ugly as to have them proclaim that you think you are beautiful" (Wharton, 71-72). With these quotes, among many others, Wharton illustrates the attitude of Lily and her peers. The whole "society" revolves around money and material. This is not the traditional moral attitude of a central character. This makes me wonder, therefore, whether Miss Bart is in for an epiphany of perspective. Will she evolve into a morally right, nonmaterialistic, and selfless woman?
Chapters VII & VIII
As I read Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, I am continually struck by superficiality and insincerity of the characters. Simply put, the men are egotistical and the women are gold diggers! The book mainly concentrates on the women, however. For example, Mrs. Trenor states, "'It's too delightful of you to be so nice to him, and put up with all his tiresome stories. I know what they are, because I had to listen to them when we were engaged....'" (Wharton, 69). Moreover, of the poorer women at the wedding Lily thinks to herself, "It is almost as stupid to let your clothes betrat that you know you are ugly as to have them proclaim that you think you are beautiful" (Wharton, 71-72). With these quotes, among many others, Wharton illustrates the attitude of Lily and her peers. The whole "society" revolves around money and material. This is not the traditional moral attitude of a central character. This makes me wonder, therefore, whether Miss Bart is in for an epiphany of perspective. Will she evolve into a morally right, nonmaterialistic, and selfless woman?
A New Game for Miss Bart
The House of Mirth
Chapters V & VI
These two chapters of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth clearly illustrate both the dynamic and round statuses of the character Lily Bart. In the past chapters, Bart has had complete control of her friends and suitors. However, after Selden shows up at Bellomont, Miss Bart begins to find herself giving into impulse and growing nervous. It seems as if Selden is the one person who can bring out the true Lily Bart; he sees through her manipulative games, making her feel uncomfortable. For example, Selden asks, "Ah, but I don't suppose that: haven't I told you that your genius lies in converting impulses to intentions?" (Wharton, 54). Selden is not fooled by her attempts to make even predmeditated actions seem spontaneous. This dissection of Lily's motives causes her to act differently. Wharton uses this change to show the special relationship between Miss Bart and Selden. I believe Wharton is foreshadowing a true love between the two characters that will continue to develop throughout the story.
I now officially identify myself with Team Selden. Wharton describes him as a very laid back man who rarely gets flustered and is content with his lifestyle, though he may not possess as many riches as his peers. I find this very appealing and I predict that Lily will learn to marry for love over riches. TEAM SELDEN OR BUST.
Slight confusion: Why was Mrs. Dorset pursuing Selden? She is a married woman, and that game is over for her! I do not understand...anyone?
Chapters V & VI
These two chapters of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth clearly illustrate both the dynamic and round statuses of the character Lily Bart. In the past chapters, Bart has had complete control of her friends and suitors. However, after Selden shows up at Bellomont, Miss Bart begins to find herself giving into impulse and growing nervous. It seems as if Selden is the one person who can bring out the true Lily Bart; he sees through her manipulative games, making her feel uncomfortable. For example, Selden asks, "Ah, but I don't suppose that: haven't I told you that your genius lies in converting impulses to intentions?" (Wharton, 54). Selden is not fooled by her attempts to make even predmeditated actions seem spontaneous. This dissection of Lily's motives causes her to act differently. Wharton uses this change to show the special relationship between Miss Bart and Selden. I believe Wharton is foreshadowing a true love between the two characters that will continue to develop throughout the story.
I now officially identify myself with Team Selden. Wharton describes him as a very laid back man who rarely gets flustered and is content with his lifestyle, though he may not possess as many riches as his peers. I find this very appealing and I predict that Lily will learn to marry for love over riches. TEAM SELDEN OR BUST.
Slight confusion: Why was Mrs. Dorset pursuing Selden? She is a married woman, and that game is over for her! I do not understand...anyone?
Monday, July 9, 2012
A Slow Read
The House of Mirth
Chapters III & IV
These two chapters were a slow read for me-mostly because I was constantly turning back pages and rereading paragraphs over and over again in order to keep the story straight. Wharton writes in such a convoluted manner, foreshadowing certain events and the emergence of characters almost constantly; however, though at times I find it hard to follow, once I reread and flip back pages, I am never unimpressed at her cleverness of diction and manner of explaining the plot.
As a reader, I have traditionally enjoyed an author who fully explains the background story. That way, when characters start to interact with one another, I am aware of all the necessary facts in order to dissect their relations with each other. However, when reading Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, Wharton's plot unfolds through the dialect of the characters. Often times a name will come up in general narration or even dialect and I will not fully understand who the character is until a couple pages later when a couple of the characters are discussing him/her, and all is made clear. For instance, Wharton mentions Mrs. Peniston in Chapter I in a conversation between Selden and Bart where Selden says, "'When I do come, it's not to loook at Mrs. Peniston's furniture" (Wharton, 5). At the time, the only implication I picked up on was that Miss Bart lived with Mrs. Peniston. A few paragraphs later, one learns that Mrs. Peniston is Bart's aunt when Wharton states, "...if they had been in her aunt's drawing-room...." (Wharton, 6). However, it was not until Chapter III that Wharton offers to the reader a full explanation of the role of Mrs. Peniston in Lily's life. At last, the reader comes to a full understanding of what was hinted at in Chapter I. This is a constant yet rewarding occurence while reading The House of Mirth.
Chapters III & IV
These two chapters were a slow read for me-mostly because I was constantly turning back pages and rereading paragraphs over and over again in order to keep the story straight. Wharton writes in such a convoluted manner, foreshadowing certain events and the emergence of characters almost constantly; however, though at times I find it hard to follow, once I reread and flip back pages, I am never unimpressed at her cleverness of diction and manner of explaining the plot.
As a reader, I have traditionally enjoyed an author who fully explains the background story. That way, when characters start to interact with one another, I am aware of all the necessary facts in order to dissect their relations with each other. However, when reading Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, Wharton's plot unfolds through the dialect of the characters. Often times a name will come up in general narration or even dialect and I will not fully understand who the character is until a couple pages later when a couple of the characters are discussing him/her, and all is made clear. For instance, Wharton mentions Mrs. Peniston in Chapter I in a conversation between Selden and Bart where Selden says, "'When I do come, it's not to loook at Mrs. Peniston's furniture" (Wharton, 5). At the time, the only implication I picked up on was that Miss Bart lived with Mrs. Peniston. A few paragraphs later, one learns that Mrs. Peniston is Bart's aunt when Wharton states, "...if they had been in her aunt's drawing-room...." (Wharton, 6). However, it was not until Chapter III that Wharton offers to the reader a full explanation of the role of Mrs. Peniston in Lily's life. At last, the reader comes to a full understanding of what was hinted at in Chapter I. This is a constant yet rewarding occurence while reading The House of Mirth.
Lily Bart: The Puppeteer
The House of Mirth
Chapters I & II
In the first two chapters of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, the reader is introduced to seemingly integral characters. Lily Bart is the apparent protagonist of the story. To me, she seems to be extremely manipulative, her befriendment of others driven carefully and solely by her selfish motives-predominantly her desire to marry rich.
Though the story is told from by an omniscient narrator, Wharton clearly focuses on Miss Bart and her encounters with others. I personally found her manipulative nature irritating yet awesome. Bart is driven so much by her hatred for a destitue lifestyle that she sees interacting with others as a game eventually leading to a prize of wealth. For example, Wharton says of Bart, "Training and experience had taught her to be hospitable to newcomers, since the most unpromising might be useful later on...." (Wharton, 12). With the use of diction such as "training", "experience", and "useful", Wharton paints for the reader a picture of the mindset of Lily Bart. She sees others as tools, or puppets even, used to get what she wants. Consequently, always manipulated, I feel as if none of her friends know the true Lily Bart. Moreover, I feel as if Lily realizes this as well, and may develop a sense of loneliness throughout the novel.
At this point, I would say I am on Team Gryce. He seems like a very nice man with whom Lily could achieve all she desired out of life. I do feel bad for the man, however, because he is oblivious of the manipulation to which he is subjected. Nonetheless, knowing that Miss Bart would not even let the slightlest slip up reveal this knowledge to him, I believe they would make a very happy couple. GO PERCY!
Chapters I & II
In the first two chapters of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, the reader is introduced to seemingly integral characters. Lily Bart is the apparent protagonist of the story. To me, she seems to be extremely manipulative, her befriendment of others driven carefully and solely by her selfish motives-predominantly her desire to marry rich.
Though the story is told from by an omniscient narrator, Wharton clearly focuses on Miss Bart and her encounters with others. I personally found her manipulative nature irritating yet awesome. Bart is driven so much by her hatred for a destitue lifestyle that she sees interacting with others as a game eventually leading to a prize of wealth. For example, Wharton says of Bart, "Training and experience had taught her to be hospitable to newcomers, since the most unpromising might be useful later on...." (Wharton, 12). With the use of diction such as "training", "experience", and "useful", Wharton paints for the reader a picture of the mindset of Lily Bart. She sees others as tools, or puppets even, used to get what she wants. Consequently, always manipulated, I feel as if none of her friends know the true Lily Bart. Moreover, I feel as if Lily realizes this as well, and may develop a sense of loneliness throughout the novel.
At this point, I would say I am on Team Gryce. He seems like a very nice man with whom Lily could achieve all she desired out of life. I do feel bad for the man, however, because he is oblivious of the manipulation to which he is subjected. Nonetheless, knowing that Miss Bart would not even let the slightlest slip up reveal this knowledge to him, I believe they would make a very happy couple. GO PERCY!
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