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.
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