The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
"She had shown her artistic intelligence in selecting a type so like her own that she could embody the person represented without ceasing to be herself" (Wharton, 109).
The performance that the Welly Brys showcased serves as a symbol of Lily, which, once realized by Selden, convinces him of his love for Lily. Every aspect of the performance, a live reproduction of famous pieces of art, from who presented it to who else was in it, revealed some aspect of Lily's character as a whole.
The first part of the symbol (I would say more of an allegory but whatever) is that of the Welly Brys who financed and orchestrated the production as a means to strengthen ties with their newly acquired wealthy friends who came with Mrs. Welly Bry's newly acquired status. Mrs. Bry's social ambitions are reminiscent of Mrs. Bart's social ambitions which vastly influenced Lily to seek a way into the wealthy society. More significantly, the motives for putting on the performance (proving worth to those who likely can't see it) parallel Lily's desires to stand out as an individual.
When described, all others who were part of the performance appeared to fill a role already had in mind. Carry Fisher was cast as a Goya painting because of a few characteristics that brought up the already familiar images of Goya (a famous painter, as Google assures me). However, the observations of Lily's portrayal of a Reynolds note an atypical portrayal that represents Lily's atypical qualities. Lily seemed not to fill a role others already had in mind; she seemed to create a new role. The expectations people had for Reynolds' work were completely thrown out as Lily showed them something more beautiful. The significance of this scene is two-fold. Lily's shattering of expectations in the performance symbolizes how she will not fill a slot in life already imagined by someone. Also, she has achieved a middle-ground on which she can meet Selden. After the performance, Selden realizes that Lily can be associated with the wealthy class and still be herself. It's because of this symbolism that Selden realizes his love for Lily and pursues it.
Here are some links to the artists used as allusions if anyone should want to seek further symbolism even though there are probably at most two people who are going to read this.
http://www.franciscodegoya.net/
http://www.abcgallery.com/V/vandyck/vandyck.html
http://www.thecultureconcept.com/circle/women-of-influence-painter-angelica-kauffmann
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The Gospel of Wealth: Chapters 9 & 10 (The House of Mirth Book 1)
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
"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 possessing, but now her horizon was enlarged by the vision of a prodigal philanthropy" (Wharton, 91).
In this passage, Lily experiences a conversion that is absolutely integral to both Lily's future and Wharton's agenda.
Earlier in the story, Lily shared a conversation with Selden discussing Lily's goals to attain wealth. At the time, Lily planned to do very little with her desired wealth; throughout her life, wealth simply served as an indicator of status in the plutocratic society of early twentieth-century America. However, Selden challenged the notion that wealth alone could bring happiness and brought a deal of animosity between Lily and himself. Lily now has hope of bridging that gap between them because she has discovered how satisfying philanthropy can be. She now knows that there is no longer a choice between expressing her unique qualities and gaining wealth. Wealth is simply another opportunity to make a difference in society and a name for herself. Perhaps this new view of wealth will lower her inhibitions against Selden.
This epiphany served to convey a prominent theme of the day: one must use wealth to better society. First espoused by Andrew Carnegie, this theme, called the Gospel of Wealth, offered a new opportunity for wealthy citizens to do something meaningful with their lives instead of living like Lily's despised cousins who hoarded their wealth without spending and friends who used their wealth for pretentious shows. As Lily slowly accepts the Gospel of Wealth, Wharton hopes the reader will pick up on the message as well.
So, we meet again, Mr. Carnegie.
Edith Wharton
"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 possessing, but now her horizon was enlarged by the vision of a prodigal philanthropy" (Wharton, 91).
In this passage, Lily experiences a conversion that is absolutely integral to both Lily's future and Wharton's agenda.
Earlier in the story, Lily shared a conversation with Selden discussing Lily's goals to attain wealth. At the time, Lily planned to do very little with her desired wealth; throughout her life, wealth simply served as an indicator of status in the plutocratic society of early twentieth-century America. However, Selden challenged the notion that wealth alone could bring happiness and brought a deal of animosity between Lily and himself. Lily now has hope of bridging that gap between them because she has discovered how satisfying philanthropy can be. She now knows that there is no longer a choice between expressing her unique qualities and gaining wealth. Wealth is simply another opportunity to make a difference in society and a name for herself. Perhaps this new view of wealth will lower her inhibitions against Selden.
This epiphany served to convey a prominent theme of the day: one must use wealth to better society. First espoused by Andrew Carnegie, this theme, called the Gospel of Wealth, offered a new opportunity for wealthy citizens to do something meaningful with their lives instead of living like Lily's despised cousins who hoarded their wealth without spending and friends who used their wealth for pretentious shows. As Lily slowly accepts the Gospel of Wealth, Wharton hopes the reader will pick up on the message as well.
So, we meet again, Mr. Carnegie.
Monday, June 25, 2012
The Plot Thickens: Chapters 7 & 8 (The House of Mirth Book 1)
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
In this section of the novel, we get to the action (a very loose definition of the word action, but action nonetheless). I believe this would be the rising action of the story, but to be honest I have never in my life understood the plot classification system.
What I do know for certain is that more conflicts are arising for Lily, and conflicts that have existed since the beginning are starting to bubble at the surface. The motif of gambling seems to form the basis of all Lily's conflicts and dilemmas: Trenor and Rosedale, Selden, and Gryce.
In order to escape her debts, Lily decides to ask Mr. Trenor, her friend's husband, to help her invest her money. However, this partnership requires more from Lily than she is comfortable giving. Trenor now treats Lily in a manner that is more than friendly. Furthermore, Trenor asks that Lily treat Rosedale in a similar manner so that Rosedale would bestow his financial graces on Trenor. To Lilly, Rosedale, who rose to his status as Lily plans to, represents a life of conformity and vanity. The potential gains from complying with Trenor are financial independence and security; however, the risks are living a life of constant acting and cunning and alienating Selden.
Of all the people she knows, Lily realizes Selden is the only person who brings out Lily's true self. Even she knows deep down that she wants to marry him, but doing so would restrict her financial aspirations. Moreover, every step she took to secure her financial future with Trenor and Rosedale threatens to sever her ties with Selden. The potential gains from choosing to pursue Selden are a happy life and an escape from conformity; however, the risks are living a modest lifestyle and going against her mother's desires for regained wealth.
Gryce, whom Lily has decided to marry, is starting to look for other potential wives because of Lily's like of gambling. Nevertheless, Lily decides to win him back to prove her beauty and worth as her mother convinced her she could. However, putting all her self confidence in her ability to win men over turns on her when she learns that Gryce is engaged to Evie Van Osburgh; not only are the financial security and independence once promised by Gryce in jeopardy, the only qualities she believes anyone ever sees in her are undermined.
Lily's anguish from her dilemmas becomes apparent: "Any definite situation would be more tolerable than this buffeting of chances, which kept her in an attitude of uneasy alertness toward every possibility of life" (Wharton, 78). Lily has to wager on one of these men. Each one represents a future: Trenor represents a single but wealthy life, Selden represents a modest but happy life, and Gryce represents a wealthy but vain (you never saw a typo) life that her mother prescribed.
Edith Wharton
In this section of the novel, we get to the action (a very loose definition of the word action, but action nonetheless). I believe this would be the rising action of the story, but to be honest I have never in my life understood the plot classification system.
What I do know for certain is that more conflicts are arising for Lily, and conflicts that have existed since the beginning are starting to bubble at the surface. The motif of gambling seems to form the basis of all Lily's conflicts and dilemmas: Trenor and Rosedale, Selden, and Gryce.
In order to escape her debts, Lily decides to ask Mr. Trenor, her friend's husband, to help her invest her money. However, this partnership requires more from Lily than she is comfortable giving. Trenor now treats Lily in a manner that is more than friendly. Furthermore, Trenor asks that Lily treat Rosedale in a similar manner so that Rosedale would bestow his financial graces on Trenor. To Lilly, Rosedale, who rose to his status as Lily plans to, represents a life of conformity and vanity. The potential gains from complying with Trenor are financial independence and security; however, the risks are living a life of constant acting and cunning and alienating Selden.
Of all the people she knows, Lily realizes Selden is the only person who brings out Lily's true self. Even she knows deep down that she wants to marry him, but doing so would restrict her financial aspirations. Moreover, every step she took to secure her financial future with Trenor and Rosedale threatens to sever her ties with Selden. The potential gains from choosing to pursue Selden are a happy life and an escape from conformity; however, the risks are living a modest lifestyle and going against her mother's desires for regained wealth.
Gryce, whom Lily has decided to marry, is starting to look for other potential wives because of Lily's like of gambling. Nevertheless, Lily decides to win him back to prove her beauty and worth as her mother convinced her she could. However, putting all her self confidence in her ability to win men over turns on her when she learns that Gryce is engaged to Evie Van Osburgh; not only are the financial security and independence once promised by Gryce in jeopardy, the only qualities she believes anyone ever sees in her are undermined.
Lily's anguish from her dilemmas becomes apparent: "Any definite situation would be more tolerable than this buffeting of chances, which kept her in an attitude of uneasy alertness toward every possibility of life" (Wharton, 78). Lily has to wager on one of these men. Each one represents a future: Trenor represents a single but wealthy life, Selden represents a modest but happy life, and Gryce represents a wealthy but vain (you never saw a typo) life that her mother prescribed.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Disney Princess Syndrome: Chapters 5 & 6 (The House of Mirth Book 1)
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
In this section of the novel, the setting, specifically the time, factors into the main theme: rejecting societal standards in favor of finding oneself. The time period (the early 1900s), the season (autumn), and the day (Sunday), all set the stage for Lily's realizing the main theme for herself.
In order to understand fully the societal pressures Lily fights, one must understand society in the early 1900s. I realize my blog is titled The Roaring 20s and this novel is set in the 00s, so, if you have any complaints, send them to my suggestion box.
Anyhow, American society in the early 1900s was headed by a small group of extremely wealthy families. Even though this status was not exclusively hereditary like the aristocracies of Europe, marriage was still used as a tool to maintain status. Like any Disney Princess, Lily gradually turns away from society's suggestion for a spouse (Gryce) and toward the person she wants (Selden).
More specifically, the story takes place in the autumn. Typically, autumn in poetry represents the last stages of life. In a way, that symbolism is used in the novel. As Lily starts to gravitate toward Selden who represents a modest life, the Lily who emphasized wealth slowly dies. The fall parallels Lily's shift from someone who only wants to appease her mother's wishes for regained status to someone who wants to live her life with someone she loves.
Even more specifically, these two chapters take place on Sunday, the Sabbath, the Lord's Day. Church. Although Lily promised Gryce that she would accompany him to mass, she said she had a headache and blew him off for Selden. Usually, when people make excuses for not going to mass, it is because of laziness; however, Lily avoided the conformity associated with the ritual of going to mass. Lily speculates that going to mass for nonreligious reasons suggests blind conformity by thinking, "They belonged to the vast group of human automata who go through life without neglecting to perform a single one of the gestures executed by the surrounding puppets" (Wharton, 41). Only when Lily refused to be one of the upper-class crowd did she get the chance to converse with Selden and learn that his opinion was the only one that could bother her because she really wants to marry him.
Edith Wharton
In this section of the novel, the setting, specifically the time, factors into the main theme: rejecting societal standards in favor of finding oneself. The time period (the early 1900s), the season (autumn), and the day (Sunday), all set the stage for Lily's realizing the main theme for herself.
In order to understand fully the societal pressures Lily fights, one must understand society in the early 1900s. I realize my blog is titled The Roaring 20s and this novel is set in the 00s, so, if you have any complaints, send them to my suggestion box.
Anyhow, American society in the early 1900s was headed by a small group of extremely wealthy families. Even though this status was not exclusively hereditary like the aristocracies of Europe, marriage was still used as a tool to maintain status. Like any Disney Princess, Lily gradually turns away from society's suggestion for a spouse (Gryce) and toward the person she wants (Selden).
More specifically, the story takes place in the autumn. Typically, autumn in poetry represents the last stages of life. In a way, that symbolism is used in the novel. As Lily starts to gravitate toward Selden who represents a modest life, the Lily who emphasized wealth slowly dies. The fall parallels Lily's shift from someone who only wants to appease her mother's wishes for regained status to someone who wants to live her life with someone she loves.
Even more specifically, these two chapters take place on Sunday, the Sabbath, the Lord's Day. Church. Although Lily promised Gryce that she would accompany him to mass, she said she had a headache and blew him off for Selden. Usually, when people make excuses for not going to mass, it is because of laziness; however, Lily avoided the conformity associated with the ritual of going to mass. Lily speculates that going to mass for nonreligious reasons suggests blind conformity by thinking, "They belonged to the vast group of human automata who go through life without neglecting to perform a single one of the gestures executed by the surrounding puppets" (Wharton, 41). Only when Lily refused to be one of the upper-class crowd did she get the chance to converse with Selden and learn that his opinion was the only one that could bother her because she really wants to marry him.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Setting the Stage: Chapters 3 & 4 (The House of Mirth Book 1)
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
Once Lily arrives at the Trenors' residence, Wharton takes the opportunity to enlighten the reader on Lily's upbringing through flashbacks and characterizations of Lily's caretakers: Mr. and Mrs. Bart as well as Mr. Bart's sister, Mrs. Peniston.
Lily's most significant influence was her mother; both Lily and her mother seem never to tire due to social obligations. More importantly, Lily inherited her mother's vanity which continues to drive Lily to abhor both poverty and informal living among the rich. After Mr. Bart died and the family fortune, despite never being a true fortune, was lost, Mrs. Bart and Lily relied on the generosity of relatives who, despite being much wealthier than the Barts, chose to live in a manner more common among the common man and earned Mrs. Bart's animosity for doing so. Mrs. Bart taught Lily that the only escape from poverty was her marrying a rich man, a lesson that ensured her vanity would not easily subside completely and that she would choose between love and wealth.
Mr. Bart played a much less significant role in Lily's early life. Because he rarely appeared at home, it was clear that he believed his only duty to his family was to provide money. This belief was so prevalent that, when Mr. Bart learned that he was terminal, the only focus of the family was the fact that he could no longer provide financially. As modern psychology suggests, women look for a husband that will provide for a family as her own father did. Since Mr. Bart only gave his family money, Lily will likely focus her efforts on Mr. Gryce (so I was wrong) for the time being not for his personality, but for his godly income.
After her parents' deaths, Lily was taken in by her aunt Mrs. Peniston who only decided to look after Lily to inflate her own generous ego. Although Mrs. Peniston showered Lily with gifts, Lily found herself battling the dependence Mrs. Peniston was trying to create by denying Lily an allowance that would allow her to depend on herself. Mrs. Peniston symbolizes Lily's struggles against wealth which threatens her independence.
The drawbacks of this upbringing become apparent in Lily's gambling problem. She has become so obsessed with money that the mere thought of gaining more will ironically bleed her dry. Now she must decide between Selden, the one she really wants, and Gryce, the one who can support her addiction to money.
However, there is hope that Lily will break free from her vanity: "She would not indeed have cared to marry a man who was merely rich: she was secretly ashamed of her mother's crude passion for money" (Wharton, 27). By making such major influences on Lily rather minor characters in the story, Wharton highlights Lily's longing to distance herself from the complications her caretakers' vanity has caused in the past.
Edith Wharton
Once Lily arrives at the Trenors' residence, Wharton takes the opportunity to enlighten the reader on Lily's upbringing through flashbacks and characterizations of Lily's caretakers: Mr. and Mrs. Bart as well as Mr. Bart's sister, Mrs. Peniston.
Lily's most significant influence was her mother; both Lily and her mother seem never to tire due to social obligations. More importantly, Lily inherited her mother's vanity which continues to drive Lily to abhor both poverty and informal living among the rich. After Mr. Bart died and the family fortune, despite never being a true fortune, was lost, Mrs. Bart and Lily relied on the generosity of relatives who, despite being much wealthier than the Barts, chose to live in a manner more common among the common man and earned Mrs. Bart's animosity for doing so. Mrs. Bart taught Lily that the only escape from poverty was her marrying a rich man, a lesson that ensured her vanity would not easily subside completely and that she would choose between love and wealth.
Mr. Bart played a much less significant role in Lily's early life. Because he rarely appeared at home, it was clear that he believed his only duty to his family was to provide money. This belief was so prevalent that, when Mr. Bart learned that he was terminal, the only focus of the family was the fact that he could no longer provide financially. As modern psychology suggests, women look for a husband that will provide for a family as her own father did. Since Mr. Bart only gave his family money, Lily will likely focus her efforts on Mr. Gryce (so I was wrong) for the time being not for his personality, but for his godly income.
After her parents' deaths, Lily was taken in by her aunt Mrs. Peniston who only decided to look after Lily to inflate her own generous ego. Although Mrs. Peniston showered Lily with gifts, Lily found herself battling the dependence Mrs. Peniston was trying to create by denying Lily an allowance that would allow her to depend on herself. Mrs. Peniston symbolizes Lily's struggles against wealth which threatens her independence.
The drawbacks of this upbringing become apparent in Lily's gambling problem. She has become so obsessed with money that the mere thought of gaining more will ironically bleed her dry. Now she must decide between Selden, the one she really wants, and Gryce, the one who can support her addiction to money.
However, there is hope that Lily will break free from her vanity: "She would not indeed have cared to marry a man who was merely rich: she was secretly ashamed of her mother's crude passion for money" (Wharton, 27). By making such major influences on Lily rather minor characters in the story, Wharton highlights Lily's longing to distance herself from the complications her caretakers' vanity has caused in the past.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Breaking the Ice: Chapters 1 & 2 (The House of Mirth Book 1)
The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton
Seeing as this section of the book mainly serves to introduce the reader to the elements of the story, now would be a prudent opportunity to do what we all do when we first meet new people: judge everyone! As intended, all eyes immediately turn to Miss Lily Bart, the seeming protagonist despite the novel's opening with Mr. Selden. Wharton seems to utilize the importance of first impressions to introduce the most defining character of Lily Bart: her ability to stand out as a refreshing face in a dull crowd. Her image of refreshing spontaneity is emphasized with a comparison between Lily and a storm. Both Lily and the storm seemed to appear out of nowhere ostentatiously and bring refreshment to the muggy city life. Wharton reveals even more of Lily's character during the discussion in Mr. Selden's quarters. Although she appears as a typical upper-class woman looking for a suitable husband, both Selden and the reader can ascertain that she desires something more than the typical. Selden notes, "She was so evidently the victim of the civilisation which had produced her, that the links of her bracelet semed like manacles chaining her to her fate" (Wharton, 5). Her unappreciated individuality also appears in the comparison between Lily and Americana, literature and collectibles pertaining to the culture of the United States that were largely neglected by European sophisticates. Like Selden's Americana, Lily has unique qualities that go unappreciated. As for Selden himself, his unique quality of being completely honest will likely keep him in Lily's consideration and in a prominent spot in the novel.
Two other characters are introduced: Mr. Rosedale and Mr. Gryce. Being a wealthy individual from whom Lily seemed to be fleeing, Mr. Rosedale will likely represent conformity with the upper class which will be Lily's greatest problem. Mr. Gryce, a young and timid man who is also attending the party for which Lily came to New York, will most likely take a passive role in the novel.
Overall, I only like Mr. Gryce. It seems the others will be ruled by vanity, but Gryce doesn't seem to care for high-living.
I bet that the main theme of the novel will be being oneself despite social requirements. We will see if I am right.
Edith Wharton
Seeing as this section of the book mainly serves to introduce the reader to the elements of the story, now would be a prudent opportunity to do what we all do when we first meet new people: judge everyone! As intended, all eyes immediately turn to Miss Lily Bart, the seeming protagonist despite the novel's opening with Mr. Selden. Wharton seems to utilize the importance of first impressions to introduce the most defining character of Lily Bart: her ability to stand out as a refreshing face in a dull crowd. Her image of refreshing spontaneity is emphasized with a comparison between Lily and a storm. Both Lily and the storm seemed to appear out of nowhere ostentatiously and bring refreshment to the muggy city life. Wharton reveals even more of Lily's character during the discussion in Mr. Selden's quarters. Although she appears as a typical upper-class woman looking for a suitable husband, both Selden and the reader can ascertain that she desires something more than the typical. Selden notes, "She was so evidently the victim of the civilisation which had produced her, that the links of her bracelet semed like manacles chaining her to her fate" (Wharton, 5). Her unappreciated individuality also appears in the comparison between Lily and Americana, literature and collectibles pertaining to the culture of the United States that were largely neglected by European sophisticates. Like Selden's Americana, Lily has unique qualities that go unappreciated. As for Selden himself, his unique quality of being completely honest will likely keep him in Lily's consideration and in a prominent spot in the novel.
Two other characters are introduced: Mr. Rosedale and Mr. Gryce. Being a wealthy individual from whom Lily seemed to be fleeing, Mr. Rosedale will likely represent conformity with the upper class which will be Lily's greatest problem. Mr. Gryce, a young and timid man who is also attending the party for which Lily came to New York, will most likely take a passive role in the novel.
Overall, I only like Mr. Gryce. It seems the others will be ruled by vanity, but Gryce doesn't seem to care for high-living.
I bet that the main theme of the novel will be being oneself despite social requirements. We will see if I am right.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)