Classic Book Club selection April 2013 Mo 4/15/13
My post on Good Reads-
High Society at the dawn of the 20th century was very similar to what is being documented on many of the reality shows broadcast on BRAVO TV today. What you actually 'do' is far less important than who is doing it. And, certain rules of order must be obeyed unquestioningly. The lead character in THE HOUSE OF MIRTH, Lily Bart, is trapped by her own extremely limited view of herself, and she's far too concerned about how others perceive her. Unfortunately, Lily was born and bred to be an ornament of society, yet she intuitively grasps that she's far too intelligent to be trapped in that role, but she lacks the insight and the imagination to break free. She understands that she can't 'marry her way out', because that could never satisfy her, but she is unable to ascertain another way out under the rules that she has chosen to observe. I think Lily should have stiffed Gus on his loan(phony investment scheme), cashed her meagre inheritance, and taken the first train, stage, or coach West for a fresh start in life!
This is an excellent novel in that Wharton really allows you to grasp the motivations of the characters, but I found myself on the verge of throwing the book across the room because although I could understand Lily's actions, they ultimately seemed so very pointless.
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