Respect And Reputation In Edith Wharton's The House Of Mirth

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Past events could potentially affect the actions, attitudes and values of a character, positively or negatively. This is true because as seen in many novels the background stories of the characters often shape the character's future and their present actions and values. If, for example, a character grows up poor their values would differ from those of a character that grew up wealthy. The theme of respect and reputation is exemplified by Edith Wharton in her novel "The House of Mirth" by discussing Lily Bart's actions, attitudes and values. Economic situations can influence a character's actions, attitudes and values. In Lily Bart's case her economic situation led her to her downfall. "That walk she did not mean to miss; one glance at …show more content…

This is still prevalent today, all around the world people are constantly trying to "one-up" anyone they can by getting the newest and most expensive things. We strive to live beyond our means because we as humans constantly want to improve ourselves. Appearance and reputation are very prevalent ideas today, we are constantly concerned with the latest trends and how we are percieved from another's point of view. "No; but your taking a walk with me is only another way of making use of your material. You are an artist and I happen to be the bit of colour you are using today. It's a part of your cleverness to be able to produce premeditated effects extemporaneously." (1.6.18) Lawerence Selden informs Lily of her materialistic views. He considered himself just an accessory to Lily's plan. "The fact that the money freed her temporarily from all minor obligations obscured her sense of the greater one it represented, and having never before known what it was to command so large a sum, she lingered delectably over the amusement of spending it." (1.10.2) Lily views money as something that could help free her from all things that are stressing her, ironically wealth is just what leads to her demise. This is Lily's fatal flaw. She is very materialistic and high

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