The House of Mirth Group

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beccca12321
beccca12321
Student

What are the themes in "The House of Mirth"?

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Posted by beccca12321 on Monday November 10, 2008 at 5:22 PM and tagged with the house of mirth, themes.

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  1. ladyvols1 Teacher
    High School - 9th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    One of the themes in Wharton's novel is appearances.  "Lily’s physical beauty leads men to desire her, but none of these men, including Percy Gryce and Gus Trenor, actually have any interest in knowing the “real” Lily Bart."  Another theme is the appropriate roles for women.  What should they be, how should they act, what is "women's role?"  Betrayal is also the them of Wharton's novel and this is the most prevelant theme throughout the whole novel.  "At almost every turn, Lily’s friends and acquaintances betray her."

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/house-mirth/style
    http://www.enotes.com/house-mirth/summary
    http://www.enotes.com/house-mirth/themes

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    Posted by ladyvols1 on Monday November 10, 2008 at 6:33 PM