Edith Wharton
"Something in his prompt acquiescence frightened her; she felt behind it the stored force of a patience that might subdue the strongest will" (Wharton, 145).
What stands out in this quote is not a pattern, but a departure from a pattern. Typically, Wharton describes interactions between characters from the perspectives of all characters. The thought processes of certain characters, namely Selden and Gerty, are portrayed in addition to Lily's internal plans. However, Wharton purposefully neglects to portray the thoughts of certain characters, usually Lily's aunt and, in this case, Rosedale. At most, Wharton includes Lily's guesses of what these negatively viewed characters are thinking based on past experiences and (relatively antisemitic) stereotypes.
By withholding insights into the thought processes of certain characters, Wharton highlights the uncertainty and risk involved with the characters themselves and the ways of life represented by those characters. For instance, one of Lily's characteristic mannerisms is anticipating the future actions of others and manipulating others to do her bidding. Therefore, people like Mrs. Peniston and Rosedale pose a threat to Lily: she cannot know for certain what they are thinking. This uncertainty ties into the theme of rejecting total conformity to the most wealthy class. Both Mrs. Peniston and Rosedale in this chapter stated that, if Lily should chose to live with either her aunt or Rosedale, she would have no control over finances; she would be totally dependent on others for money. The lack of control she has over conversations and confrontations with Mrs. Peniston and Rosedale parallels the lack of control over anything that would come from a married life forever in the upper-class.
In other news, I gain much sadistic pleasure in the conundrum Lily finds herself in with Rosedale's proposal, Selden's departure, and the invitation for the cruise.
Haha!
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