The Role of Family and Gender in The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton (1905)

Expanding the Roles:
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton follows Lily Bart, a young woman in New York’s upper society during the Gilded Age, who struggles to secure a proper marriage while facing personal and financial crises. The novel explores themes of gender, class, and the pressures placed on women in a society that demands conformity to specific roles. For literature students, The House of Mirth is a rich exploration of the intersection of gender, family expectations, and societal norms.

• Gender and Social Expectations:
  Lily faces constant pressure to marry well and uphold the social standards of her class. Students can analyze how Wharton critiques the societal expectations that limit women’s opportunities and how these pressures influence Lily’s choices and personal development.

• Family and Social Mobility:
  The novel also explores the role of family connections in shaping social mobility, particularly through Lily’s relationships with her relatives. Literature students can explore how Wharton examines the tension between personal desires and familial obligations within the context of class dynamics.

What We Learn:
The House of Mirth provides literature students with insights into the societal pressures placed on women in the Gilded Age and the limitations of social mobility. The novel emphasizes the impact of family expectations and societal norms on individual choices, especially in the context of gender roles and class expectations.