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.
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