The house of mirth

The intricacies of social climbing and personal desires

Edith Wharton

508 pages, parution le 10/08/2023

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Résumé

"The House of Mirth" by Edith Wharton delves into the life of Lily Bart, a young woman navigating the treacherous waters of New York's high society at the turn of the 20th century. The narrative begins with Lily's chance encounter with Lawrence Selden at Grand Central Station, which sets the stage for a series of events that highlight her precarious social standing and financial instability. Lily is portrayed as a woman of beauty and charm, yet she is trapped by societal expectations and her own desires for luxury and status. Her interactions with Percy Gryce, a wealthy but dull suitor, reveal her strategic attempts to secure a financially stable future through marriage. However, Lily's impulsive visit to Selden's apartment and her subsequent encounter with Simon Rosedale, a socially ambitious businessman, complicate her plans. Rosedale's awareness of Lily's visit to Selden's flat poses a threat to her reputation, illustrating the constant scrutiny and judgment she faces. As Lily grapples with her diminishing prospects and mounting debts, Wharton paints a vivid picture of a woman caught between her aspirations and the harsh realities of her social environment. The novel explores themes of wealth, power, and the limitations imposed on women, ultimately questioning the true cost of maintaining appearances in a world governed by rigid social hierarchies.