Mirth; Book 2, Sections I and II

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

                 

               “Miss Bart, emerging late the next morning from her cabin, found herself alone on the deck of the Sabrina” (Wharton, 157). This is the start of Lily’s demise in the plot. So far, we know that she is twenty-nine and is single. She needs to marry soon but always believes that she can do better. Her passion for bridge has left her gambling debts and her small income makes her situation more desperate. She has recently joined the Sabrina as a way for her to get away from all her troubles. I feel that she has only made them worse.

                

                The novel’s first lengthy exposition occurs in book 1 in section III. It explains why Lily thinks she can do better and why she has to do better. Edith Wharton does an excellent job in creating her narrative hooks. Almost every section has one since most of the sections seem to be unrelated to the previous section. So far, I believe that all of the events are a part of the rising action. I do not believe the climax has occurred but I feel that it is fast approaching.