House of Mirth Flashcards
What is the name of the main character?
Lily Bart
When was this book published?
1905
What loyal friend does Lily rely on/half despise?
Gerty Ferish
Does Lily commit suicide?
The novel leaves it ambiguous – it is not clear whether her death was intentional or not. She does set her affairs in order, the way one might before they killed themselves.
A recently discovered letter from Wharton seems to confirm that it was suicide; whether it was intentional or accidental changes the interpretation of the novel.
Who is the love interest that never quite manifests in a relationship?
Lawrence Seldon
With whom does Lily inadvertently become embroiled with by borrowing money?
Gus Trenor; Lily seems to at least initially believe he is speculating with her money, and when she realizes he has just been giving her money, it’s because he wants “something more” in return.
What painting does Lily inhabit in the tableaux?
Reynolds “Mrs. Lloyd”
How old is Lily Bart? Why is this important?
She is 29; we miss her intervening years of eligibility; we only see her on the precipice of becoming an old maid (though she remains very beautiful).
What suitor pursues Lily almost until the end? What is he like?
Sim Rosedale
Rosedale is Jewish, and has recently come into a great deal of money. He thinks that he and Lily would make a good match because he has the wealth, and the has the savvy and impeccable taste needed to move in New York high society.
What genre is this?
Naturalism
What are some traits of Naturalism?
- Branch of realism
- Focus on the scientific method and observation; ie, what were the “laws” that governed character behavior, and how would they be forced to play out?
- determinism
- indifferent narrator
Why isn’t marrying Rosedale an option?
Although Rosedale may seem like an attractive figure to many readers - and a way out of Lily’s troubles - the rules of the novel could never allow them to be together. Lily’s nature will never allow her to marry someone like Rosedale, who is so unfashionable, even to save her life.
What bachelor does Lily mess up a potential union with early in the novel?
Percy Gryce
The Gryce affair succinctly illustrates Lily’s abilities and limitations. Her plan goes off without a hitch - she is a master social manipulator. But in the end she thwarts her own plans by not attending church with him. Not for the last time in the novel, everything seems within Lily’s grasp only for her to throw it away.
Who was having an affair with Selden right before the start of the novel?
Bertha Dorset
How does Lily come into possession of Bertha’s letters to Selden?
A cleaning lady sees her leaving Selden’s apartment and assumes she must be the lady who wrote them. The lady sells them to Lily.
