The House of Mirth Book Summary

'The House of Mirth' delves into the life of Lily Bart, a beautiful yet impoverished socialite navigating the treacherous waters of New York's high society in the early 20th century. As she strives to secure a wealthy husband to maintain her social status, she grapples with societal expectations and her own desire for love and independence. Wharton's insightful portrayal of the constraints placed on women reveals the harsh realities of ambition and morality in a glittering world. With sharp social commentary and rich detail, this novel unveils the costs of a life steeped in privilege and the desperation lurking beneath the surface. Will Lily escape the suffocating confines of her gilded cage, or will the very society she seeks to conquer be her undoing?

By Edith Wharton

Published: 2002

"In the end, the house of mirth is but a fragile shelter, destined to crumble under the weight of society's expectations and the harsh realities of life."

The House of MirthBook binding

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Book Review of The House of Mirth

The heroine of this novel is Lily Bart, whose goal is to secure a rich husband who can sustain her lifestyle. She operates in a world where social position is important, but money can buy it. Lily is redeemed by her clear view of the corrupt society which is her gilded cage.

Book Overview of The House of Mirth

About the Book Author

E

Edith Wharton

Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was an American novelist, short story writer, and designer known for her incisive exploration of the lives and morals of the American upper class during the Gilded Age and early 20th century. She was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for her novel "The Age of Innocence" (1920), which critiques the social conventions of New York's elite. Other notable works include "The House of Mirth" (1905) and "Ethan Frome" (1911), both of which showcase her acute ability to depict complex characters and their struggles within rigid societal structures. Wharton's writing is characterized by its rich descriptive detail, psychological depth, and a keen sense of irony.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Edith Wharton
Published
January 2002
Publisher
Wordsworth Editions
ISBN
1840224193
Language
English
Pages
324
Genres
Historical FictionSocial CommentaryFictionLiterature

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In the end, the house of mirth is but a fragile shelter, destined to crumble under the weight of society's expectations and the harsh realities of life.

The House of Mirth

By Edith Wharton

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