Many say that money cannot buy happiness; in Edith Wharton's "The House of Mirth" the saying could never hold truer. Often times, morality fell second to the deep need for financial security. New York's high society in the early 20th century eradicated some, while making others realize their true beliefs. Social Darwinism was at the height of its popularity and many people believed in survival of the fittest. The characters in "The House of Mirth" show that life is what you make of it. Those who live most comfortably financially seem to live most ill at ease with themselves; follies and triumphs are portrayed in the characters of Gus Trenor and Lawrence Selden.
Gus Trenor is allowed to behave however he would like due to his financial situation. He likes to assist young women in fiscal need in turn for romantic favors. Throughout the book it is made clear to the reader how generally disliked he is. Edith Wharton describes Mr. Trenor as "
a coarse dull man who under all......
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Approximate Word Count: 1290
Approximate Pages: 5 (260 words per double-spaced page) |