The House Of Mirth: Character Analysis

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The tragedy, The House of Mirth, by Edith Wharton focuses on the downfall of Lily Bart from high society, which culminates in her death. The society of Lily’s time was changing dramatically with the rise of the nouveau riche and middle class, and new societal standards. Throughout the novel, Lily cannot cope with the changing times, and she struggles to adapt to this new world, which pressures her to abandon her morals and values to survive. She is unable to do so and consequently cannot find a husband, pay off her debts, or provide for herself. Seeing no possibility of hope in the future, she overdoses on chloral and dies. Lily’s death shows how the changing socioeconomic climate of the 1890’s left behind members of society who were unable to adapt.

Lily’s inability to find a suitable husband demonstrates her struggle to adapt to her shifting environment. …show more content…
After she is rejected from high society, she attempts to provide for herself by getting a job as a hat-maker in the rising middle class. However, she is not adept at this task and cannot survive living a “dingy” lifestyle, even though others, such as Gerty Farish, are capable of doing so. Lily has been relying on her looks and status her whole life, but she suddenly finds herself in a situation where these traits no longer guarantee financial stability. Without a husband or money, she couldn’t survive in high society. Now without any skills or a viable income, she cannot survive in the middle class either. She is left behind by both societies with no money and no one supporting her. Because she cannot provide for herself, she turns to the sleeping drug as a means of escape, instead of confronting her situation. Unable to survive for the rest of her life in the working class, Lily overdoses on chloral and
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