Blog 1- Analysis of Lily Bart

Edith Wharton in The House of Mirth, portrays main character Lily Bart as idealistic, needy, jealous, and also intuitive to her actions affecting others. Lily sets her standards on an expensive and rich lifestyle which she finds necessary for personal happiness. "I must have a great deal of money,"(Wharton,6). Ms. Bart finds wealth and riches the only source of total satisfaction. Though, Lily Bart seemingly raises herself on a pedestal over other women of her class: "She was too self engrossed," (Wharton,19).. I believe Bart has underlying jealousy for others. "She had lost-she who needed every penny, while Bertha Dorset, whose husband showered money on her, must have pocketed at least five hundred, and Judy Trenor, who could have afforded to lose a thousand a night," (Wharton,21).. Lily hides behind a concealed face of beauty and the look of satisfaction in herself, when in actuality she desires others' fortunes. Although, thus far, Lily Bart seems to possess negative qualities, she is intuitive to her actions and their effects on others. To prove, "Lily was sure that within twenty-four hours the story of her visiting her dress-maker at the Benedick would be in active circulation among Mr. Rosedale's acquaintances," (Wharton, 11-12). Miss Bart recognizes that her white lie to Mr. Rosedale about her business in the Benedick triggered the possible outcome of the truth of her visit being revealed.