The House of Mirth | Themes
The main theme that emerges from this social milieu involves the ethical conduct of life among the rich. There are basically two sets of characters: the rich and those who live off the rich. Old New York has all but vanished; the social scene is dominated by a new generation of speculators and entrepreneurs whose unscrupulous business practices are reflected in the crude way they conduct their personal lives. Those like Lily Bart who decorate their drawing rooms and sit at their card tables but who lack independent means in effect become their servants. Lily finds herself attracted to...
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