The House of Mirth- Book One

Chapter Four

The House of Mirth

By Edith Wharton

Like people in society, characters within a book are defined by their qualities. In Chapter Four, the reader establishes a better grasp upon the relations of the various characters in The House of Mirth. While Lily sees her companions as amiable for "...their elegance, their lightness, their lack of emphasis..." and "...lords of the only world she cared for...," it is their individual characteristics that establish their role in the plot (Wharton, Pages 39-40).

Although many of the characters in The House of Mirth are similar in their competitiveness and greed for wealth and social respect, their qualities as individuals make them intricate parts of the plot. At this point in the story, Bertha Dorset, known for being flirtatious around men despite being married, serves as the antagonist, blocking Lily's way in marriage to Mr. Gryce. Gwen Van Osburgh and Percy Gryce are presented as doubles who share similar ideas, prejudices, and standards. Similarly, Lady Cressida and Carry Fisher are presented as foils to Mrs. Trenor as neither side welcomes the others company and both have different views and practices. Additionally, the reader learns of the relations among the various characters which is important in understanding how they interact and their motives among each other. For example, Bertha Dorset likes Mr. Seldon and is will reck havoc if something or someone blocks her from gaining her desired prize. As such valuable information is gained about the inter workings of the characters, the reader is better able to focus on the development of the major themes within the story and appreciate the similarities and differences of the characters. 

Chapter Three

The House of Mirth

By Edith Wharton

As famous artist Bob Marley once said, "In this bright future, you can't forget your past." Thus, as Chapter Three begins, Lily Bart "...lay(s) in the darkness reconstructing the past out of which her present had grown (Wharton, Page 22)." Through these recollections, the reader gains invaluable insight into who Lily Bart truly is. 

Miss Lily Bart is a beautiful character with strong characteristics that can be traced to her troublesome past. From her father's love of poetry and books, Lily has developed a genuine passion for literature thus allowing her to relate to Mr. Seldon and Mr. Gryce. I believe it is from her mother's death in New York, that Lily has developed her disgust for the "hideous place" (Wharton, Page 3). Finally, from her Aunt's ability to provide only physical nourishment rather than for her emotional needs, Lily developed her endless desire for "being happy" as through wealth  (Wharton, Page 5). As Lily recollects over the past, it appears that she has given up her childhood dreams of marrying for love and has developed traits similar to her late mother who desired marriage for happiness through riches. 

As a round character with multiple qualities and a complex past though, I predict that Lily will become a dynamic character who changes before the story's end and hopefully returns to her inner desire for success. For, while time has passed, there is still time to change and as Bob Marley said, "Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny."