The House of Mirth | The House of Mirth

At a glance:

Author: Edith Newbold Jones
First Published: 1905
Type of Work: Novel
Type of Plot: Naturalism
Time of Work: Early twentieth century
Setting: New York
Genres: Long fiction, Social realism, Naturalistic literature, Didactic literature
Subjects: Values, New York, North America or North Americans, Northeast, U.S., United States or Americans, Love or romance, Suicide, Twentieth century, New York City, Social issues, Marriage, Betrayal, Class consciousness, Manners or customs, Social life, Blackmail, Upper classes, Greed, Truthfulness and falsehood, Ambition, Gossip, Wealth, Scandal, Finance
Locales: New York

Characters Discussed

Lily Bart, a fascinating, beautiful young woman sacrificed to the false ideals of New York social life, the belief that a “good” marriage is preferable to a happy one and that appearances must be maintained, regardless of the expense. Through the machinations of a jealous wife whose husband has fallen in love with Lily, the hapless woman is eventually brought to social disgrace, poverty, and death.

Lawrence Selden, an intellectual young bachelor lawyer in love with Lily. Although he prefers to remain on the outskirts of New York high society, he...

The House of Mirth | The House of Mirth

At a glance:

Characters Discussed

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