The House of Mirth: Blog 1
Edith Wharton

      As I begin to read The House of Mirth, I am introduced to many characters and themes I feel will be prevalent throughout the book. Miss Lily Bart seems to be the main character, and Wharton provides an abundant amount of description of her personality in the first two sections of book one. We also meet a few other characters: Selden, Mr. Rosedale, Mr. Gryce, and Mrs. Dorset. There is a great deal of characterization for all of these characters.
     One theme that is brought up almost immediately by Bart is that of marriage. More specifically, Bart speaks of the relationship between women and marriage. She says, "What a miserable thing it is to be a woman!" (Wharton, 4). She says this when talking to Selden about his apartment and how he can freely do what he wants with the place since it is only his. She implies that men are allowed to have their own flat while it is unheard of for a woman to live alone because of the cost. Bart expresses that she does not want to get married, but she feels she has to because she has no means of income herself. She thinks men are lucky in regard to marriage because "a girl must, a man may if he chooses" (Wharton, 8). Bart seems to be somewhat a feminist, since she believes she should not have to get married. However she realizes it is not socially acceptable for her to work. I agree with Bart's opinion on not wanting to get married. I feel a woman should be able to have the same independence a man can. In our current society, it is acceptable and, for the most part, expected for a woman to work. Because of this, it is easier for a woman to live completely on her own, without the necessity of a man's support. Because this is set in the early 1900's when woman did not work, I am eager to see whether or not Bart will marry or continue living with her aunt.