The House of Mirth by
Edith Wharton
“I do believe
what you say Mr. Rosedale,’ she said quietly; ‘and I am ready to marry you
whenever you wish’ ” (Wharton, 205). The previous quote sets the scene for an
interesting conversation between Lily Bart and Rosedale. When Rosedale denied
Lily’s acceptance of marriage, I was quite shocked. I was quite sure that he would say yes as it
is still apparent that he loves her still. Moreover, he asked her to marry him
only a year ago. Furthermore, I was surprised to learn had selfish Rosedale had
become. His movement to a much higher place in the elite society has made him
feel empowered. He feels that he can always do better. In a way, the
personalities of Lily and Rosedale have switched. Lily seems to be more
reserved and careful. Rosedale feels the way that Lily used to: over confident
in one’s abilities.
Additionally,
I felt that Rosedale’s scheme to reduce Bertha’s popularity so he could marry
Lily was narcissistic. At this point, he still wants Lily but he refuses to
lose his reputation. This continues to prove the brutality lying beneath the
shining surface of the upper class.
No comments:
Post a Comment