Mirth Book 2 Parts XI and XII

So, as the Real Housewives of the 1890's draws to a close (oh, sorry I mean The House of  Mirth), Lily Bart is falling apart all the while maintaining her composure until her visit with Selden. Rosedale is appalled to see Lily live like she is in his saying, "'The idea of your having to work - it's preposterous (242).'" For a girl who always had a plan, Lily seems like she has no idea what she is going to do. Lily's life is the exact opposite of what she planned it to be. However, it appears that her character and morals have changed. As opposed to the beginning of the novel when Lily wrecklessly played bridge and borrowed money, she now denies a loan from Rosedale because she has learned she is incapable of managing her debts. Also, her priority has become repaying her debt to Trenor.

I still hold to my theory that the story will end with Lily's death, especially now after her visit with Selden. Lily has essentially settled her situation with Selden. By burning the letters, Lily let go of everything she held against Selden. This supports my thinking that she will die because now she can die at the end of the novel and the readers will not feel completely terrible because she never apologized to Selden. I find it interesting that the first book was about Lily's rise to popularity; now, the second book is about her fall from popularity and to what I believe will ultimately be her death.

The House of Mirth: The End!

Well, I am glad I finally finished Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth. With the closing chapters of the story, I realized that Lily Bart is a tragic character. Haunted every night by her desire for a wealthy life and all her problems produced by her pursuits, Lily's death came from this tragic flaw of not being satisfied because it led to her excessive use of chloral (I totally called it). Additionally, her death is all the more tragic because on the night of her death she had finally accepted that all that she needed to be happy was love. To make it all the more sad, both Lily and Selden wanted to see the other in the morning.

In the final paragraphs, I believe that Selden is at peace with Lily's death. He has a profound thought, "He saw that all the conditions of life had conspired to keep them apart...(267)." He looks at the positive in that he had loved her, and at least that was good. I do not think he regrets much, except for his fleeing from her after that night at Bellomont. At least Selden had been bold in professing his love to a woman who he knew had never thought of marrying him beforehand. It is interesting to think of how Lily never got what she wanted until she died.

Mirth Book 2 Parts IX and X

Lily Bart from The House of Mirth is becoming much more troubled now that she has stooped to the working class. The relationship between herself and Selden is oddly hostile, and for some reason Selden acts like he never left her alone when he took off for Europe. Plus, Lily acts affectionately with Rosedale. This has become a complete flip from the beginning of the story where Lily would've much rather been with Selden than Rosedale. Lily's character has definitely changed. Physically, she appears to be the same because even at this point in the story Rosedale admires her beauty: " ...Rosedale was seized afresh by the poignant surprise of her beauty (235)." However, Lily is emotionally distressed with her situation of going from a life of luxury to the life of a peasant. 

I think I know how this novel will end. Lily's conversation with the chemist I think is hinting at how the novel will end with Lily overdosing on the sleep medication and dying. I am still unsure whether it will be because she is so troubled about her situation, or it happens as an accident due to her sleeping difficulties. Nonetheless, I would rather just get to the end of this book.

Mirth Book 2 Parts VII and VIII

I guess nothing every goes according to plan for Lily. When she thinks the only solution to her situation is to marry Rosedale, it turns out Rosedale does not want to marry her anymore because of her reputation. Despite the essential cruelty of his response, I am actually starting to like Rosedale. He has a very interesting talent for using his knowledge, and I thought it was a very interesting for him to suggest using the letters against Bertha. However, I do know that Rosedale will not help Lily with something unless he knew there was some sort of profit in it for him. Even though Lily dismissed Rosedale's idea, I think these letters will come into play before this story ends.

Now, there's the other problem, Selden. Gerty encourages him to pursue Lily again which of course intrigues me because I am guessing Gerty is no longer jealous of Lily. Gerty said to Selden, "'...it seems to me that if someone could reach out a hand and show her the other side-show her how much is left in life and in herself-(219).'" I thought there might still be some hope for Lily and Selden, but I guess not after Selden stormed home after discovering Lily moved. I do not know what that was all about. I honestly have no clue as to how this story will end, but I do believe that Lily is starting to let go of her ideals of a wealthy husband.

Mirth Book 2 Parts V and VI

With Grace's cold response at the end of part IV in The House of Mirth, we realize that it was her intention all along to earn Mrs. Peniston's favor over Lily. With her social life in trouble and her financial situation just as dire after being snubbed by Grace, Lily is in as much of a difficult situation as ever. Mrs. Fisher's kindness to Lily in helping her get her social life back shows that not all of her friends were influenced by Bertha Dorset's cold "sacrifice" of Lily. Mrs. Fisher intends to help rebuild Lily's social life as Wharton writes, "'To keep you out of their sight till they realise how much they miss you (191).'"

Fisher's interest in Lily leads to planting of the seed in Lily's mind about marrying Dorset or Rosedale. For some reason, Lily favors Rosedale. I do not understand this at all. I thought she liked Dorset's personality and he has money too, doesn't he? Plus, Dorset is crazy about Lily (well from what what I've read, it appears every man is crazy about Lily). Besides, Rosedale just comes off as repulsive. It appears Lily is adamant on marrying Rosedale despite every reason not to. I just hope I am not reading a 268 page book to find out that this woman chose money over love because that's just sad.

Mirth Book 2 Parts III and IV

Since the start of Book 2 in The House of Mirth, Selden has shown a much more indifferent feeling toward Lily. For example, Selden worries for her as a friend and not a possible lover such as when Wharton writes: "There was nothing specific in this apprehension; he merely wished to spare her the embarrassment of being ever so remotely connected with the public washing of the Dorset linen (169)." I do not understand Selden's reasons for this change in attitude toward  Lily. However, this seems to have repaired Gerty's friendship with Lily.

Can I say that I definitely called Mrs. Peniston dying? I was wrong about Lily's inheritance though. It seems that yet another quarrel has arisen between Lily and Grace Stepney. I think that Grace will become the new antagonist until Lily finds herself in another problem while resolving her current ones. Lily's obsession with money seems to lead her to an endless amount of problems. Yet, Lily can only attribute her obsession to her upbringing. Hopefully, this novel ends with her realization that her life is not about becoming wealthy so that she can finally marry for love which will hopefully be the often mistreated Selden.

The House of Mirth Book 2 Parts I and II

To France we go! Edith Wharton takes book 2 of The House of Mirth to the French Riviera. I seriously feel like Lily just can't find a way to stay out of trouble. This vacation to the Mediterranean seemed like a good way to take a step back from her problems, but now she's got another problem. It seems that Bertha Dorset will be the antagonist in the second half of this story. Bertha is crafty; I'll give her that. She diverts the attention away from her affair with Silverton to a bogus affair between Lily and George Dorset. I think Bertha is torn between keeping Lily on the boat and kicking her off because Lily serves her a great use by distracting George, who I think is actually falling in love with Lily, but Lily also is getting along better with the nobility such as Lord Hubert and the Duchess which makes Bertha jealous.

George desires a divorce, and he wants to bring Selden in to help him legalize it, "'Why not Selden? He's a lawyer, isn't he? One will do as well as anoother in a case like this (164).'" At this point, I am glad Selden will come back into the story because his character is more relatable than the others. Hopefully, Selden's reappearance will help solve some of Lily's problems and they will all live happily ever after...maybe.

Mirth Book 1 Part XV

As book 1 draws to a close in Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, Lily is in a world of problems. She believes the only solution is to repay her debt to Trenor. At least so far in this story, this is a good sign that Lily still has some dignity, but she still did not have the foresight to think that this was inevitable. Mrs. Peniston refuses to help out Lily, Gerty despises Lily although she still helped her, and Selden took off to Havana. Lily is pretty much on her own to resolve this problem. Mrs. Peniston seems like she is not in the best state of health. She complains of her nerves, and she went to bed early one night because she was not feeling well, "Lily remained at home, lunching and dining alone with her aunt, who complained of flutterings of the heart...(145)." I am thinking something is seriously going on with her health. In a sad circumstance, Mrs. Peniston may pass away later in the novel and Lily's financial problems are resolved so that she can live happily with Selden, or there is a twist of irony in the end where Lily marries someone wealthy like Mr. Rosedale, but she becomes wealthy anyways with Peniston's death. Mr. Rosedale is a sneaky man who has played his cards right with coming to Lily at the apex of her vulnerability. Rosedale said all the right things to get in her head and make her seriously consider marrying him, but let's hope not.

Mirth Book 1 Parts XIII and XIV

Now, things are getting interesting in The House of Mirth. I am going to be completely honest, this is the only part of the book so far that I have legitimately wanted to know what would happen next. Lily's problem with Gus Trenor is getting more extreme. I hope it does not get much more extreme though because....well that could lead to rape, and no one wants to read about that.

Selden's feelings for Lily are finally starting to be shown to others. When Gerty discovers this, she becomes very jealous of Lily for some reason. Wharton writes, "But on her bed sleep would not come, and she lay face to face with the fact that she hated Lily Bart (132)." Is Gerty seriously in love with Selden?

I sure hope not since their cousins. I am hoping this is some sort of jealousy because Gerty feels like she will not see Selden as often. I am sure something complicated happens once Lily and Selden have their meeting the next day.

Mirth Book 1 Parts XI and XII

As the stock market gets complicated, so does the story of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth. People are critical of Lily's relationship with Gus Trenor which makes sense because everybody knows of Lily's search for a wealthy husband which makes this look like a scandal waiting to happen. Mrs. Peniston did not take it very well that her niece would be flirting with a married man. Also, Grace Stepney got her chance to make Lily look bad: "...hatred over Lily prevailed over more personal considerations (101)." Mrs. Peniston seems like a nervous wreck right now, so I am not sure if something bad will happen to her or not because she just seems like a character that something bad will happen to.

For some reason, Lily can't seem to stay out of trouble. I do not know what she was expecting to accomplish with her visit to Bellomont. Gus Trenor is grumpy with her, and of course there is her situation with Selden. Their meeting in the garden reveals that Selden is still in love with her which of course complicates things. In the words of the great Jay-Z, she's got 99 problems.

Mirth Book 1 Parts IX and X

Here, we find ourselves nearly a hundred pages into Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, and Lily Bart's "problems" are just beginning. I find it odd that Lily looks down upon maids when Lily does not have much more than they do. The only difference between Lily and the maids is that Lily has rich friends and they do not. I am going to be honest, I have no clue as to why Lily even got those letters from Mrs. Haffen only not to read them.  I seriously want to know what those letters say because it might help me understand whatever is going on with Selden and Evie van Osburgh. Oh, and if getting black mailed by a poor woman wasn't enough, how about getting black mailed by a fat, rich man who is your best friend's husband? Yes, I think that would be pretty bad.

Now, Trenor is upset with Lily because he knows she pretty much took advantage of him. Trenor would love the company of a beautiful woman (who wouldn't?), so he pressures Lily into visiting him: "I'll be there sharp, remember, you won't go back on me, Lily---(96)?" My guess is something bad happens at this visit probably because Lily will not show up. Lily better get her act together, that's all I have to say.

Mirth Book 1 Parts VII and VIII

I'm not finding much mirth as I continue reading The House of Mirth. I am honestly confused by the character of Percy Gryce that Edith Wharton is developing. He pretty much ran away from Bellomont afraid of Lily's personality, yet at the end of Part VIII we find out that he is getting married to Evie Van Osburgh. This seems like a very bold move for a man who is supposed to be shy and reclusive. I feel like I should probably read more before I say much more because there is most likely some good explanation that I am lacking the insight to see.

However, Lily seems like she's digging herself into another hole. With her new friendship with Mr. Trenor, Lily has acquired a new method of income with Trenor's experience in the stock market. Of course, Trenor wants some sort of repayment; now, Lily finds herself trying to please Trenor's personal interest of gaining favor with Mr. Rosedale. Yet again, Lily and Selden are torn apart. Clearly, there is some cosmic force at work here trying not to let them be together, or not. Well at least it is clear that Lily likes Selden except for his lack of money, and Selden is crazy about Lily. That's at least something to smile about.

Mirth Book 1 Parts V and VI

Continuing on in Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth, we see Lily is attempting to make her strategic move on Percy Gryce. Lily is really going out of her way to impress Gryce. She does things out of her nature such as giving up smoking or waking up early to prepare for Sunday Church service. In an event possibly due to fate, Lily misses the omnibus to Church and she begins to walk. She rests under a tree and Selden catches up with her. This meeting is more of like a prologue to their meeting later that day in which Selden expresses his reason for being at Bellomont. Additionally, Lily even admits she has an interest in Selden, but Selden lacks the wealth she desires of her husband, yet Lily even admits to the possibility, "'I shall look hideous in dowdy clothes; but i can trim my own hats'" (59).

Now that we know for certain that Lily likes Selden, the problem becomes who she will choose. In part V, the word mirth appears which of course I naturally decided to look up the definition. Meaning jollity accompanied by laughter, the title The House of Mirth may help us figure out what happens. Considering Gryce does not seem like he is full of much mirth, I think Lily spends most of her time with Selden and seriously considers marrying Selden.

Mirth Book 1 Parts III and IV

As the story of The House of Mirth and the party at Bellomont progressed, I started to get an insight into Lily's background and motives. Lily is well aware of how a dull a person Percy Gryce can be, yet she still has a serious interest in him because of his wealth. Such interest is shown when Wharton writes, "...but she could not ignore him on the morrow, she must follow up her success, must submit to more boredom (19)." Similar to how Lily's mother only saw her husband as someone to provide money for her and Lily, Lily is only interested in Gryce because he could easily supply money for Lily to live her ideal lifestyle.

At the party, Lily became absorbed in a game of bridge in which she lost a sizable amount of money. This simply happened because of Lily's obsession with wealth and money which led to her fascinating at the idea of gaining more by winning a game. Speaking of games, the word "calculations" has appeared several times already in the story. The use of this word makes it seem to me like Lily sees her situation as a sort of like a game. She thinks all she needs to do is to properly calculate the correct solution to her predicament. However, I feel like her method may change with the reappearance of Selden in the story. I think truly that Lily could fall in love with Selden. Eventually, Lily will have to choose between Selden and love or Gryce and money.