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.