The House of Mirth

Definition

The House of Mirth is a novel written by Edith Wharton, published in 1905, that tells the story of Lily Bart, a beautiful young woman navigating the social elite of New York City in the early 20th century. The narrative explores themes of social class, morality, and the constraints placed upon women, reflecting the deterministic aspects of naturalism by showcasing how Lily's circumstances shape her fate.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lily Bart's struggle in The House of Mirth represents the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations, highlighting her vulnerability within a rigid social structure.
2. The novel illustrates Wharton's critique of the moral hypocrisy of high society, as Lily’s downfall is largely due to the judgments and pressures exerted by her peers.
3. Determinism in the story is evident as Lily's choices are heavily influenced by her upbringing and social environment, leading to her ultimate isolation and despair.
4. Wharton's use of detailed descriptions and settings showcases the opulence of New York society while simultaneously revealing its superficiality and cruelty.
5. The House of Mirth ends with Lily facing dire consequences as a result of her inability to conform to societal norms, emphasizing the naturalistic belief in fate shaped by external forces.

Review Questions

• How does Wharton use Lily Bart's character to illustrate the principles of determinism found in naturalism?
  • Wharton portrays Lily Bart as a victim of her social environment, where her beauty and charm are both assets and liabilities. Her upbringing in a financially unstable but socially ambitious family restricts her choices. Throughout the novel, we see how societal expectations and pressures determine her fate, culminating in tragic consequences. This alignment with naturalistic principles shows how external forces shape individual destiny.
• Analyze how Wharton critiques social norms through the events that unfold in The House of Mirth.
  • Through Lily's experiences, Wharton critiques the hypocrisy and moral rigidity of high society. As Lily attempts to navigate this world, she faces judgment for her independence and choices that defy societal expectations. The betrayal by those she trusted illustrates how societal norms can be destructive. Wharton's portrayal serves as a stark commentary on the limitations placed on women and the brutal consequences of deviating from accepted behavior.
• Evaluate the significance of setting in The House of Mirth and its impact on Lily Bart's life choices.
  • The setting of New York's elite society plays a crucial role in shaping Lily Bart's life choices throughout The House of Mirth. The opulent yet superficial world she inhabits dictates her values and ambitions, leading her to prioritize social acceptance over personal fulfillment. This glamorous yet ruthless backdrop highlights themes of wealth, status, and moral decay. As events unfold against this setting, it becomes clear that Lily's tragic fate is not solely due to her decisions but also heavily influenced by the constraints imposed by this society.

Related terms

Naturalism:

A literary movement that emphasizes the influence of environment, heredity, and social conditions on human behavior, often portraying characters trapped by their circumstances.

Social Darwinism:

A theory that applies the concept of 'survival of the fittest' to human society, suggesting that social status is determined by natural selection.

Decadent Movement: A literary movement characterized by an aesthetic focus on beauty and sensuality, often depicting moral decay and the decline of traditional values.