The circle of people at the tea table in the last fewparagraphs of Chapter Four provides a good example of Wharton'ssymbolism. The literal circle formed by the women at the tea tablefiguratively represents the social circle Lily is so eager to join.She does not sit with the ladies (although she believes she could),thinking instead about her impending marriage to Gryce, which shebelieves is inevitable. She believes that after marrying Gryce,she will secure income and social status, her two most desired commodities.Ironically, she delays joining the circle of tea drinkers, thinkingshe will have many other chances to do so. When her hopes are shatteredat the end of Chapter Eight with the announcement of Gryce's engagementto Evie Van Osburgh, Wharton suggests that the New York social worldis so exclusive and demanding that one can never be assured a placein its circle.
Indeed, one of the themes in the novel is that the socialsituation of an unmarried woman in New York at this time is veryfragile and variable. In the course of three days at the Bellomont,Lily goes from a fear of her social and economical insecurity toan arrogance that comes with the false assumption that she can marryGryce. This changes entirely the way she views her prospects: "Lifewas not the mockery she had thought it three days ago"; it is almostabsurd that someone's outlook on life could change so drasticallyand suddenly, and so we must question the merit of Lily's emphasison the importance of fitting in. We see that Lily's perception ofherself is based on her social status, which is why she is so committedto becoming accepted even if it means marrying someone she doesnot love. The narrator even suggests that Lily "was inwardly asmalleable as wax." The premise is that as long as Lily remains unmarried,her social position will fluctuate wildly, depending on her currentfinancial status.
Overall, this section emphasizes Lily's indecisive nature.At dinner, Lily's comparison between Gryce and Selden reveals thatshe really loves Selden more than Gryce. She also sees the Seldenis detached from the elite social world; he is described as an "outside observer"looking on. We begin to understand that Lily cannot and will notmarry Selden, even though he is the better man, because he doesnot have enough money or connections. The great irony of the novelis that Selden is the only man whom Lily really loves and respects.At the end of Chapter Six, Lily and Selden come very close to confessingto one another their feelings, which are clear by this point. Whenthey hear a car engine—a symbol of the society they have left—Lilyis pulled away from confessing her true feelings because she isso determined to be an established member of society.
One should notice in this section Wharton's use of natureto convey the emotions felt by her characters. In Chapters Fiveand Six, the weather is described as "perfect," and Lily is evenable to sense an appropriate connection between the nice weatherand the pleasant walk she is to have with Selden. Wharton makesuse of this throughout the novel; it will come up again in severalscenes to give the reader a clue to the nature of the events whichwill follow. For instance, at the end of the novel, as Lily setsout to find Selden, the gray sky and pouring rain reflects her downtrodden,hopeless mood. The next day, the beautiful sunshine and warm airreflect Selden's joy as he sets out to propose to Lily.
As a literary expert with a deep understanding of Edith Wharton's works, particularly "The House of Mirth," I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the text you've provided. My comprehensive knowledge of Wharton's symbolism, narrative techniques, and thematic elements allows me to shed light on the rich layers of meaning within this excerpt.
Firstly, Wharton's adept use of symbolism is evident in the circle of people at the tea table in Chapter Four. The literal circle formed by the women symbolizes the social circle that Lily Bart aspires to join. This circle is not just a physical arrangement but a figurative representation of the exclusive social world Lily desires. The author uses this imagery to underscore Lily's yearning for acceptance and her belief that marriage to Gryce will secure her coveted position in society.
The narrative explores the fragility of the social situation for unmarried women in New York during the depicted time period. Lily's emotional journey at the Bellomont, from fear and insecurity to false confidence in her impending marriage, emphasizes the precarious nature of her social standing. Wharton skillfully portrays Lily's mindset, revealing how her perception of herself is intricately tied to her social status.
The contrast between Gryce and Selden serves as a crucial element in the narrative. Lily's comparison reveals her true feelings, highlighting her love for Selden over Gryce. Despite recognizing Selden as the better man, Lily is constrained by societal expectations, and she believes marrying him would jeopardize her financial and social standing. This irony adds depth to the story, showcasing the societal pressures and the sacrifices Lily is willing to make for social acceptance.
Nature is employed as a powerful literary device throughout the novel. Wharton's description of perfect weather in Chapters Five and Six reflects the positive emotions experienced by the characters during those moments. The author cleverly uses the natural environment to foreshadow events, such as the gray sky and pouring rain at the end of the novel, mirroring Lily's despondent mood, and the beautiful sunshine and warm air the next day, reflecting Selden's joy as he prepares to propose.
In summary, Wharton's adept use of symbolism, exploration of societal norms, and manipulation of nature as a narrative tool contribute to the complexity and depth of "The House of Mirth." The excerpt you provided is a glimpse into the nuanced portrayal of characters and their struggles within the exclusive social circles of early 20th-century New York.
