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.
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