The Great Gatsby: Blog 2

   After reading the eventful second chapter of The Great Gatsby, I have come to develop extremely negative feelings for Tom Buchanan.  I am truly taken back by the fact that Tom, a wealthy man with a bright wife and youthful daughter, could have a mistress.  It further frustrates me when Tom Buchanan insists that Nick meet his girl.  So, if I am correct, Tom is public with his infidelity to his wife.  Right before meeting this girl, Tom takes Nick to the residency of Mr. Wilson, the husband of his mistress.  After being very rude and condescending to Mr. Wilson, Buchanan proceeds to stare at his wife as enters the room.  I felt like the author made the entrance of Mrs. Wilson melodramatic, but then goes on to say that she "contained no gleam of beauty" (Fitzgerald, 25).  This made absolutely no sense to me.  Why would Mr. Buchanan's mistress be less unattractive than his wife? This usually is not a characteristic of a mistress!  Through this is entire chapter I am wondering why Nick, the cousin of Tom's wife, does not scold or tell off Mr. Buchanan.  I did not like the Tom Buchanan in the first chapter, but now I have lost respect for this character.

The Great Gatsby: Blog 1

     Upon finishing the first chapter of The Great Gatsby, the actual character of Gatsby remain a mystery.    Obviously, this character is one of significance due to the title of the novel.  With the wording of author F. Scott Fitzgerald, I sense clues that hint of what lurks behind the mask of Gatsby.  Not having the faintest idea if this is accurate, I predict that Gatsby is a self-made, wealthy black man.  My reasoning for this is because of the conversation that takes place in the Buchanan home concerning "the rise of colored empires" (Fitzgerald, 12).  Moreover, the Buchanans, believing they are of the dominant race, stress over the thought that "...other races will have control over things" (Fitzgerald, 13).  I assume these opinions are stated to display this era's feelings toward minorities as condescending.  Because of this discussion, the audience is led to believe that people of a lesser ethnicity are inferior to those of the white race.  Also, earlier, the narrator, Nick, describes Gatsby as a man who lives in an expensive home.  Apparently, many know of him, but few actually know him.  With this, I really think Gatsby will be of color, which will shock many causing all stereotypes to vanish.  This prediction is the only idea I have of what lurks behind the mystery of Gatsby.

 

   Looking at the cover of this piece, I can only guess that it displays the face of Gatsby.  In support of my assumptions, I believe Gatsby's face appears the same color as the rest of the background to show that he, not only wants to blend with the scenery of busy New York, but is a minority wishing to remain unnoticed by the public.  I can only guess that this mysterious man hides myself because of his untypical lifestyle.  Because of the beliefs of the the people in this time, Gatsby may feel threatened as well as unaccepted.

The House of Mirth: Blog 15

     In my opinion, I felt that The House of Mirth was so-so.  I have a feeling I will come to appreciate this piece of classical literature more with time.  Overall, the life of Lily Bart, quite frankly, was extremely agitating.  Lily always seems to have devious schemes on her mind.  From the start, Lily "was too self engrossed" (Wharton, 19) to find happiness.  This selfish character, not once took consideration of others thoughts and feelings.  I found the mentioning of Lily's constant obsession with money to be too repetitive.  Also, I feel Lily's efforts throughout the novel all go to waste as she kills herself, leaving behind Lawrence Seldon, the one man who truly loved her.  Honestly, I just did not take away anything meaningful or lasting from this work.  But as I suggested, I am hoping I can take something from this novel in the future.

"I ain't sayin she a gold digger, but...." -Kanye West

The House of Mirth: Blog 14

    After thinking over the plot of The House of Mirth, I have formed my own analysis of the plot.  The exposition tells of a wealthy-born beauty, Miss Lily Bart.  Lily Bart, a natural charmed, uses to appearance to acquire what she yearns for: money.  Although brought up believing being poor and dingy is a sign of true disgrace, Lily, upon the death of her father, is left struggling.  Miss Bart proves herself to be a contradictory when she refuses her numerous, advantageous offers of marriage, but believes the only way to live a life of luxury is through marriage.  Lily associates herself with the members of the social elite, careless spending, and gambling, for she believes, in the end, they will financially benefits her.
 
    I would say the rising action consists of Lily Bart's greedy actions, such as using the money given to her by her aunt on clothing and bridge.  Also, Lily's decision to accept a handsome amount of money to spend as she wishes from Mr. Trenor in my opinion, is a huge part of her downfall.  With all this financial aid, Lily is clearly never truly satisfied.  Lily's belief that money will exclude her from worldly obligations ultimately leads to the climax of The House of Mirth.


    I believe that the climax of the work is when Mrs. Peniston learns of the tremendous debt Lily is in even after she has been given so much.  Upon hearing this, Lily's aunt cuts her off and wishes for Lily to make her home elsewhere.  Also, Miss Lily later meets with Rosedale who reveals his and others knowledge of Mr. Trenor's aid to her.  These events lead to the excommunications of her friends and even of her family.  Lonely, buried in debt, and unmarried, Lily had dug herself into a hole that she will never rise from.

    The falling action basically is made up of Lily's attempts to reclaim her reputation.  Lily attends new, even better parties with Mrs. Fischer.  However, these gatherings only made the break between those of status and Lily more definite.  Then, Lily tries to marry Rosedale to regain all that she has lost.  This would have been highly beneficial for Lily.  But, Miss Bar is declined by Rosedale claiming she will only drag him down.  Oh, the irony!

    The resolution would undoubtedly be the death of Lily Bart.  Lily dies dingy, unmarried, and alone.  Although Lily Bart could not find the slightest trace of satisfaction in the streets of New York, Edith Wharton writes of the morning after her death as "bright, with a promise" (Wharton, 263), hinting of Lily's happiness in death.

The House of Mirth: Blog 13

    Throughout The House of Mirth, Edith Wharton uses long, descriptive diction to tell her tale of Miss Lily Bart.  At first, I thought her highly detailed response to literally just about everything to be extremely monotonous.  Finishing to book, I now have an appreciation of Wharton's long, drawn-out wording.  Because of this style, the audience has a much better understanding of the character's though, Lily's feelings, and the outcomes of the piece.  For example, when Lily, in her desperation, says that she will finally accept Rosedale's proposal in marriage,  Edith Wharton uses her wordy tone to illustrate Rosedale's "reddening to the roots of his glossy hair" (Wharton, 205).  Because of this detailed phrase, the audience can now predict that Rosedale now feels "comic discomfort: at the mention of marriage to Lily.

    Also, Edith Wharton's writing style lets readers in on the workings of Lily Bart.  If Lily's obsession to wealth was not constantly spread throughout the story, the audience would have little understanding behind the meaning of her actions.  The long phrases concerning Miss Bart's financial distress allowed me to, not agree, but see her thought process behind wishing marriage to Rosedale, denying the love of Lawrence Seldon, and sadly, taking a large dosage of her medication to end her life.  Wharton's diction aids the audience in recognizing that Lily Bart really did not possess the power to climb from the horrid life she created for herself.

The House of Mirth: Blog 12

    The beginning of chapter five opens with the statement, "It seemed to Lily, as Mrs. Penistons's door closed on her, that she was taking a final leave of her old life" (Wharton, 187).  Upon reading this, I really felt that after the complicated mess that Lily gotten herself into, she finally is going to start anew.  This is Miss Bart's opportunity to escape the dramatic atmosphere of her friends.  I believe that environment pressures Lily to gamble and spend the money she does not have.  Lily has even managed to befriend the generous Gerty Farnish who has shown Lily true friendship when her other friends shunned her.

    However, in my opinion, the opening statement is deceiving.  Just as Lily starts to realize the benefits of this schism between herself and her social circle.  Mrs. Fischer appears out of nowhere to Lily.  Apparently, Mrs. Fischer wishes for Lily to accompany her to Alaska.  Lily thinks of this time not as a vacation with her friend, but a getaway until her friends realize how much they miss her.  Gerty presses her not to go this trip was "forfeiting her last chance of ever escaping from it" (Wharton, 191).  I fully agree that this will only led Lily BBart back to her old habits.  If Lily does decide to go on this trip to Alaska, I predict that she will, in fact, never recover from obsession with wealth and high society.

The House of Mirth: Blog 11

      In the next chapters of Book 2, I find irony woven through almost every page.  From the beginning of the novel, the audience quickly learns of Lily Bart's sick obsession and earnest desire to accumulate as much money as possible.  Lily repeatedly mentions how she must never be dingy.  Miss Bart's upbringing has led her to truly believe that being poor is the ultimate sign of disgrace.  Now, Lilly is completely alone in the world struggling to not become the poor, dingy girl that she has spend every waking moment aiming not to be.  I find how Lily's "money over morals" attitude has gotten her nowhere to be ironic.  Buried in debt, alone, and kicked out of her social circle, Lily later learns that her own, recently passed, aunt has left her nothing in comparison to her other family members.  Lily, completely alone, is disliked even by those who once admired her.  "No one looked at her, no one seemed aware of her presence; she was probing the very depths of insignificance" (Wharton, 180).  Now, not even Lily's beauty, a characteristic that she has always used to benefit her, cannot save her.  Also, I find it ironic that the only person willing to be friends with Lily is Gerty Farnish, who, at the beginning, was an object of ridicule to Miss Bart.  I don't think Lily will ever fully recover from her destroyed reputation due to her numerous schemes and plots over the one things she yearns for the most, but does have: money.

The House of Mirth: Blog 10

     Book 1 of The House of Mirth opens with Mr. Seldon feeling "a movement of revulsion from the last few months of his life" (Wharton, 147) as he walks the streets of Monte Carlo.  Believing he is free from Lilly and the troubled package she come with, Seldon cruises the Mediterranean.  I assume that Edith Wharton chooses this refreshing European setting for a few specific purposes.  First, to put Lawrence Seldon and Lily Bart out of their element in a foreign country will make their reunion, although predictable to the audience, surprising and dramatic to the characters.  Also, the audience is bound to claim the Mediterranean a peaceful getaway.  Wharton uses irony in this setting to unravel more no-so calming dramatic, such as the inaccurate rumors of an affair going on among George and and Lily, when in reality Bertha started those untruths to spend more time with the young Ned Silverton.  I predict Edith Wharton may do this to show that the mess Lily has made of herself is inescapable.  I truly feel sorry for Seldon who cared so deeply for Lily, was disgusted by her dealings with money, traveled to Europe in hope of refreshing himself, and now is back to hearing of all the gossip involving Lily.  Although strange to me, but common in this era, I hope Seldon finds strength and true happiness by marrying his cousin, Gerty Farnish.  It is because she differs so much from Lily Bart that I believe Gerty and Seldon will actually make a good match.

The House of Mirth: Blog 9

      As I conclude Book 1 of The House of Mirth, I realize that Lily has found herself in a truly unfortunate and  complicated situation.  First, Miss Bart's serious financial debts from gambling are revealed to her aunt, Mrs. Peniston.  Then, Mr. Rosedale tells Lily of his knowledge of Mr. Trenor's financial assistance to her.  On top of that, Mr. Trenor is angered by Lily's distaste for him causing her to sense that she owes him.  Next, Mr. Rosedale has been spreading rumors of a secret affair between Mr. Seldon and Lily.  In addition, the town knows of Lily's relationship with Mr. Trenor.  For someone who wishes desperately to be a member of high society, Lily is quickly obliterating her reputation and the respect people have for her.  To make matters worse, Mrs. Peniston is willing to pay off Lily's owed clothing money, but has left her to deal with her gambling debt.  Also, now Lily must find a new home as Mrs. Peniston deems her a disgrace.  Lily Bart has undoubtedly gone from bad to worse.  Miss Bart is left alone, homeless, buried and debt, and "...sunk lower than the lowest" (Wharton, 135).

     The last chapters of Book 1 remind me so much of the movie, Uptown Girls.  In this film, a grown up woman, Molly Gunn, wakes up to a life of turmoil.  After the death of her wealthy mother and rock star father, Molly is swallowed in debt due to her carefree shopping.  Like Lily Bart, Molly was never appreciative of the comfortable life she led until it was swept from beneath her.  Molly Gunn's behavior towards money leads her to a very similar situation to that of Lily Bart. Molly finds her in bad relationships that have no true value or meaning. Both Lily and Molly do not know what they have until it is gone.  In the end of Uptown Girls, Molly works out debts by getting a job and selling the items that she no longer has use for.  Molly discovers worth and value in her life when it is no revolved around money.  I can only hope that Lily Bart has this sort of an awakening and recognizes how foolish she has been.

The House of Mirth: Blog 8

    While evaluating the characters in The House of Mirth, I predict that Bertha Dorset, as a minor character, will play a major role in the fate of Lily Bart.  From the beginning, Bertha loomed in the shadows, a creature consumed with jealousy towards the beauty of which Lily possesses.  I conclude that it is because of this envious attitude that compels Bertha Dorset to sabotage any chance of happiness and satisfaction for Lily.  Moreover, Lily's one true desire is to achieve a wealthy life for herself.  Miss Bart's way to accomplish this luxurious lifestyle was through marriage to millionaire, Percy Gryce.  From a distance,  Bertha weaves her way between the two and introduces Mr. Gryce to the equally wealthy, Evie Van Osburgh.  This devious and unnecessary scheme put Lily in a state of outrage as Evie Osburgh already has a great fortune of her own and no real need for the riches of Mr. Percy Gryce.  Finding that it was Bertha who introduced the newly engaged, Lily trudges on, terribly upset that her quest for wealth has not reached its end.

     Although Miss Bart continues on, I believe she has hate in her heart and vengeance on her mind.  I assume this because Lily purchases the stack of letters written to Lawrence Seldon by Bertha Dorset.   "And into what hands Bertha Dorset's secret has been delivered..." (Wharton, 84). These letters could be used to potentially ruin the marriage of the Dorset.  Without a husband, no one will be financially providing for Bertha and she will struggling, which, in Lily's opinion, is the ultimate sign of disgrace.   However, I predict that if Lily uses these letters as revenge on Bertha, she could eventually lose the love of Mr. Seldon.

The House of Mirth: Blog 7

     As I read on, I see that Edith Wharton uses Lily Bart's value system as an effective literary technique.  Moreover, Lily looks on to finding new ways to gain wealth after losing Mr. Gryce to his engagement with Evie Van Osburgh.  A determined Miss Bart decides to get involved in the stock market with the financial assistance of Mr. Tenor.  Lily's consistently puts a great deal of thought into her actions and connections and how they will benefit her.  "...perhaps I can get a tip out of him on my own account"  (Wharton, 76).  Even though Lily is presented with many kind offers, she always illustrates her scheming habits to better herself.  Although receives many invitations to social events by her numerous friends, she values their social rank more than there friendship.  Wharton seems to repeatedly mention Bart's system of money over morals.  "When she ceased to amuse Judy Trenor and her friends she would have to fall back on amusing Mrs. Peniston; whichever way she looked she saw only a future of servitude to the whims of others, never the possibility of asserting her own eager individuality" (Wharton, 82).  In truth, I find Lily's obsessive addiction to social- climbing sick and abrasive.  I believe that Edith continues to write of Lily's value system to foreshadow either a complete change in her morals or a total downfall.

The House of Mirth: Blog 6

     Throughout The House of Mirth, there seems to be one specific, recurring motif: money.  Author, Edith Wharton has made obvious that money clearly stands as the foundation for many of the themes and dealings of the novel.  Lily Bart is undoubtedly controlled and driven by the power money, thinking it as the main ingredient to success and happiness.  Even though Miss Bart is newly aware of her obsession to riches, her background and strong hold onto desires will never truly fade.  I am willing to bet that Lily's ignorance regarding wealth and power will lead to a dismal downfall that will ruin her for good.  This motif is present from the beginning when Lily's quest for a marriage is purely for the means of money.  Then, Miss Bart thought out a well planned scheme to manipulate millionaire, Mr. Gryce, with her beauty and charm.  It appears that all of Lily's actions and thoughts are driven by this selfish obsession with prosperity. 

      As the work progresses, Lily's skeletons in the closet are revealed to the audience. These secrets are all known to Bertha Dorset, who strongly dislikes Lily and wishes to deceive her any chance that she gets.  Bertha takes her knowledge of Lily's past and serious financial problems and tells Mr. Gryce.  It turns out that Bertha had actually set up Mr. Gryce with Evie Van Osburgh, "the youngest, dumpiest, dullest unsurpassed astuteness..." (Wharton, 73).  This devastating turn of events destroys Lily.  "Lily's passing light-heartedness sank beneath a renewed sense of failure" (Wharton, 73).  Once again, just when Lily assumes her problems will be solved by marriage to Gyrce, her money issues intervene which causes Lily to feel extreme outrage and animosity towards Bertha Dorset.   

The House of Mirth: Blog 5

   Well, it's about time! In the next few chapters, Lily has finally experienced an epiphany-kind- of moment as she looks among her self- indulgent friends.  "How different they had seemed to her a few hours ago!  Then they had symbolized what she was gaining, now they stood for what she was giving up" (Wharton, 44).  Although I assume Lily still lacks full appreciation for what she possesses, I believe, because of this moment, she has truly changed.  Miss Bart now recognizes her obsession with riches, and is even taken back by it.  Later, Lily spends a pleasant evening in Bellomont with Lawrence Seldon.  During this time, Mr. Seldon tells Lily of her manipulative actions to achieve wealth, and then introduces her to the idea of personal freedom.  "Freedom.. from everything- from money, from poverty, from ease and anxiety, from all material accidents" (Wharton, 54).  I predict that Lily Bart will later make this goal of personal freedom her own.  Due to her eye opening experience and the conversation shared with Mr. Seldon, Lily Bart can be deemed a dynamic character because of her transformed outlook.  Mr. Seldon, because of his differing personality and values, is clearly a foil character.

The House of Mirth: Blog 4

      Even from the very beginning of The House of Mirth, Lily Bart comes off as a self-possessed women transfixed with money and appearances.  I cannot help but compare the character of Lily Bart with one of America's cultural icons, Holly Golightly, from the popular, novella-turned movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's.  Miss Golighty, like Lily Bart, has no job and obtains her money by socializing with wealthy men who spoil her with expensive gifts.  Both want nothing more than to life in comfort and ease and believe that the only way to do this is through an affluent marriage.  "...she was not made for mean and shabby surroundings..." (Wharton, 19). Both women feel entitled to wealth and use their most appealing qualities in hope to acquire it. Lily uses her looks and charismatic charm to attract these millionaires.  Holly also uses her appearance and enchantment to lure in well off men.  I believe the social- climbing two will never truly be satisfied when it comes to having enough money.  Both are transfixed by the treasures brought in by money, but are ignorant of its true value.

The House of Mirth: Blog 3

     Upon reading the next few chapters, I sense that Edith Wharton includes minor details to foreshadow the future of Miss Lily Barth.  As Lily Bart enjoys herself in the company of the super rich, but incredibly boring Mr. Gryce, it seems as though she has found the perfect man who will provide her with a lavish lifestyle.  In my opinion, I believe that Mr. Gryce would be a decent husband for although "he is a bore", he displays humbleness about millions.  "...he thought it a very materialistic society; there were times when he was frightened by the talk of the men and the looks of the ladies..." (Wharton, 41).  So, Gryce could very well influence Lily to drop her greedy habits while still surrounding her in a world of riches.  But, as I read on, Wharton keep mentioning Mr. Seldon whom Lily, from the beginning, desires a friendship with.  Mr. Seldon would be a truly suitable match for Miss Bart because he is not only well off, but can be disagreeable in conversation, which is an appealing characteristic to Lily.

      As Lily Bart indulges herself in the comforts of Bellomont, she feels a figure approaching.  Expecting to find Mr. Gryce, Lily is surprised by the presence of Mr. Lawrence Seldon.  I believe this unexpected event hints that Mr. Seldon will play a vital role in the fate of Lily.  Because of Mr. Seldon's dispassion for money, I really think he will be the cure to Lily's clouded mind of materialism.

The House of Mirth: Blog 2

     In truth, I honestly assumed that Lily Bart's disgusting obsession with money came from growing up in a poor and struggling environment.  This, however, proves not to be the case as Lily was brought up with maids catering to her every need.  As a child, Miss Bart indulged in foreign trips to Europe, tightly packed wardrobes, and other luxuries experienced only by members of high society.  With her father absent at work, Lily was left to observe and soon acquire the materialistic behavior of her mother, Mrs.  Bart.  Lily's pampered upbringing of frequent trips, countless indulgences, and numerous maids, caused her to feel unsatisfied.  This ridiculous belief undoubtedly came from Mrs. Bart.  "To be poor seemed to her such a confession of failure that it amounted to disgrace..." (Wharton, 26).  It is because of her mother's notion that being poor is a  sign of disgrace, that Lily recoils at the thought of poverty.

    When comparing Lily Bart with her mother, both are money- hungry women who look to men as the key of obtaining a wealthy, carefree lifestyle.  Mrs. Bart, although rarely even seeing her husband, spoils herself and Lily in the riches that he works for.  Lily, however, does not want to fall into a life of routine that she believes comes with marriage, yet yearns desperately for a life of comfort and ease.  When Mr. Bart dies, Mrs. Bart's fear of "living like pigs" becomes evident when she looks at her daughter's beauty as a way of regaining wealth.  I believe that Lily Bart still feels entitled to an extravagant lifestyle, but uses much less cruel methods to get what she feels she deserves.  Through  in through, both have a sense of superiority among others, a sick obsession with luxurious living, and no appreciation for the fortunes that they do have.

The House of Mirth: Blog 1

          The House of Mirth opens with Mr. Seldon, a member of the social elite, spotting the admirably radiant Miss Lily Bart.  From afar, Lily Bart could be simply deemed a natural beauty whose presence could " arrest even the suburban traveler rushing to his last train."  Through this facade, Lily reveals herself to be a character who uses her self-known looks to manipulate one's desire to put herself in advantageous situations.  Lily manages to seduce many men of status, yet denies each marriage proposal.  Miss Bart's character proves to be somewhat contradictory as she refuses offers to wealthy men, but wishes to live a life of luxury and ease which she believes is only attainable through marriage.  "...I am horribly poor-and very expensive.  I must have a great deal of money" (Wharton, 6).  Lily's obsession with herself, high society, and wealth causes her to place herself upon a pedestal above other women.  Although Lily Bart's character is portrayed as materialistic and envious, I believe Lily is attentive and intuitive.  Lily Bart thinks of numerous outcomes that will result from Mr. Rosedale seeing her emerge from Mr. Seldon's household.  Miss Lily Bart looks deeply into the aftermath of her own actions as well as those of others.