The House of Mirth Chapters III and IV

As Edith Wharton’s The House of Mirth continues at an increasingly rapid pace, I have quickly begun to see that Miss Lily Bart is a far more complex character than I first imagined who wrestles on a daily basis with some very complicated issues. To begin with, after Lily lost three hundred dollars to a game of bridge, I soon realized that Lily is not nearly as rich I had initially assumed. While she certainly is wealthy, marrying someone with a sufficient supply of money at her disposal has become a top priority for her in seeking a husband. While I think this is rather selfish and superficial of her, after learning about the turbulent childhood and disjointed family dynamic that Lily was raised in, I can now at least understand why Lily may place so much value on wealth, beauty, and status rather than love. Lily has openly admitted that she simply could not survive in a life where she was forced to “live like a pig” in utter dinginess. Her conviction to escape dinginess at all costs was shared by many others at this time, as though a life lacking the pleasures of high society would be the worst possible tragedy that could befall a person. Yet, on the other hand, Wharton also reveals that Lily “would not indeed have cared to marry a man who was merely rich: she was secretly ashamed of her mother’s crude passion for money” (Wharton, 27). After reading this, I have to ask myself why Lily does not simply allow herself to marry for love. Miss Bart seems to contradict herself, for, while she claims that she “couldn’t breathe” in any other climate but luxury, she also admits that she can’t afford to take up expensive tastes, and the luxury of others is not what she desires most in a marriage. Ultimately, if Lily is faced with the decision between love and wealth, I am unsure of which option she will choose.

Wharton magnificently and vividly represents the inner turmoil that Lily is struggling with through her use of the symbolism in the circle of house guests gathered around the tea-table. As Lily is sitting on the upper step of the Trenors’ terrace and observing this gathering of wealthy and prominent guests, she realizes that this small congregation symbolizes her future. Because Lily has currently chosen to marry for wealth and status rather than love, she has convinced herself to woo Mr. Percy Gryce. I personally feel that this is a terrible choice, for, even though Mr. Gryce is incredibly wealthy and very kind, he will never bring Lily the happiness and love that I believe she truly desires. Lily even admits that courting him is a bore, and even if she succeeds, her reward of marrying him will bring her no joy, but rather a lifetime of more boredom. I can’t help but feel that Lily is dooming herself; she can’t forsake a life of high society, yet ultimately, this will bring her no happiness. If Lily were to marry Mr. Gryce, her future life could be perfectly symbolized by the group at the tea-table: wealthy, extravagant, and yet completely empty. To the members of high society at the tea-table, life is nothing but a game of ridiculous social politics in which each acquaintance is nothing more than an object to use for personal gain. Lily has the power to escape this fate, but I’m afraid she won’t choose this route. If she were to marry someone for love, she would have a chance at happiness; however, if she settles for Mr. Gryce, her life will be no more than one hopeless tea-table after another.