The House of Mirth: Analysis of Major Characters
"The House of Mirth" is a novel by Edith Wharton that explores the complexities of social status and personal ambition in early 20th-century New York. The narrative centers on Lily Bart, a strikingly beautiful young woman whose pursuit of a satisfying life is hindered by the rigid expectations of high society, particularly the belief that a marriage of convenience is preferable to genuine happiness. Major characters include Lawrence Selden, an intellectual who loves Lily but fails to commit to her; Gertrude Farish, Selden's cousin, who represents a modest, philanthropic lifestyle; and Mr. Rosedale, a financier ambitious to climb the social ladder, initially interested in Lily but later dismissive.
Other key figures include George and Bertha Dorset, a troubled couple whose dynamics contribute to Lily's downfall, and Percy Gryce, a shy, protected man entranced by Lily yet ultimately frightened away by her social life. The story introduces various supporting characters, such as Mrs. Carrie Fisher, who tries to aid Lily amidst her struggles, and Mrs. Peniston, Lily's indifferent aunt, who leaves her a small inheritance tied to her debts. This intricate web of relationships ultimately leads to Lily’s tragic decline, highlighting the harsh realities of societal pressures and the consequences of personal choices.
The House of Mirth: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Edith Wharton
First published: 1905
Genre: Novel
Locale: New York
Plot: Naturalism
Time: Early twentieth century
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 is popular and invited into many fashionable homes. Always in the background, he tries to steer Lily's life for her, but he is too weak to marry her.
Gertrude Farish, called Gerty, Selden's cousin, who lives alone in a modest apartment and is much taken up with philanthropy. In desperation, Lily goes to her for help, but Gertrude can offer her little solace.
Mr. Rosedale, a young Jewish financier who is trying to enter the upper brackets of New York society. At the beginning of the story, when Lily retains her position in society, he wants to marry her. Later, after her conduct has been questioned and she is willing to marry him, he is no longer interested.
Percy Gryce, a shy young man protected from designing women by his strong-minded, possessive mother. He is much taken with Lily Bart because she shows great interest in his collection of Americana. Eventually, he is frightened off because of Lily's popularity with other men, and he ends up marrying Gwen Van Osburgh.
Mrs. Gryce, Percy's mother, a monumental woman with the voice of a public orator and a mind divided between concern for her son and the iniquities of her servants.
George Dorset, a mournful dyspeptic, unhappily married. He falls in love with Lily and thus arouses his wife's jealousy and resentment, bringing about the scandal that contributes to Lily's downfall.
Bertha Dorset, George Dorset's garrulous, pretty wife, who is vicious in her treatment of Lily Bart after she has learned that her husband has grown fond of her. Mrs. Dorset behaves indiscreetly with Ned Silverton, carries on a clandestine correspondence with Lawrence Selden, and has several other affairs, but she cannot tolerate her husband's affection for Lily.
Ned Silverton, a handsome, weak, young “poet of passion.” Spoiled by wealthy patronesses, he develops too expensive a taste for bridge and incurs many gambling debts.
Mrs. Carrie Fisher, a striking divorcée. She takes pity on Lily in the midst of that young woman's poverty and tries to establish for her connections that will help her out of her predicament.
Mrs. Peniston, Lily's aunt, the widowed sister of Hudson Bart, who takes charge of her niece after the death of Lily's parents. Mrs. Peniston gives Lily little affection; however, she leaves her ten thousand dollars when she dies, with instructions that Lily is to use the money in payment of her debts.
Charles Augustus Trenor, called Gus, an investment broker, and Judy Trenor, prominent New York society people. Lily is invited to many parties and cruises on their yacht. Mrs. Trenor seems to exist solely as a hostess, while Mr. Trenor is in Wall Street and deeply interested in his business affairs. He invests for Lily some money she has won at bridge and gets large returns from the small sum. Later, Lily finds out that the returns have been from Trenor's pocket and that she owes him ten thousand dollars. This debt and its implications horrify Lily, and her attempt to repay it precipitates the cause of her breakdown and subsequent death from an overdose of chloral.
Jack Stepney and Grace Stepney, Lily Bart's cousins. Typical in their conforming attitudes, they obey all the social forms and are shocked by Lily's behavior.
Gwen Van Osburgh, the woman, “reliable as roast mutton,” whom Percy Gryce marries. She has a deep affinity with Gryce; they share the same prejudices and ideals and have the same ability to make other standards nonexistent by ignoring them.
Mr. Wetherall and Mrs. Wetherall, guests at Bellemont, the Dorset estate. They belong to the vast group of people who go through life without neglecting to perform a single one of the gestures executed by the social puppets that surround them.