Chapters
five and six of Edith Wharton’s novel, The
House of Mirth, introduces the reader to the role of high society women in
the 1890’s, the time period in which the novel takes place, and the way they were
expected to act. Main character Lily Bart’s society had been training and
coaching her for the entirety of her life to end up on the arm of a rich
gentleman, one who could provide her with the dresses and glitz required of an
elite, aristocratic woman. However, with that luxury, along came the
expectations that Lily should obey her husband and simply worry about trivial
things such as party invitations and thank you notes. And, following suit, the
focus of Lily’s attention, Mr. Percy Gryce, would provide her with this
lifestyle. Yet, this is where Lawrence Selden enters the picture. Selden and
Lily had known each other for eight years, and although Lily had been caught up
on Gryce, Selden shakes her up. While
Gryce’s talks regarding Americana bore Lily, Selden provides her with
interesting, thought-provoking conversation. The fact that she is a woman and,
according to society, should not be troubled with certain matters does not
affect him, and he genuinely enjoys Lily’s company and opinions. In regard to
Lily’s question why he appreciates her, Selden states, “Because you’re such a
wonderful spectacle: I always like to see what you are doing,” (Wharton, 52). This
feeling of worth and importance, of being wanted, affects Lily, and she
realizes that although Percy Gryce could provide her with any material thing
she could ever ask for, the deep conversation that she shares with Selden would
never be present. As thoughts of a life of freedom of choice and importance with
Selden appeals to and fills Lily’s mind, she more seriously considers her
pursuit of Gryce.
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