Edith Wharton’s The House of Mirth “is a lucid, disturbing analysis of the stifling limitations imposed upon women of Wharton’s generation” in the 1900’s. However, even today, books like The House of Mirth still have an impact on our society. Since Wharton’s time, we’ve made societal advancements that have given women more power and flexibility, but they are still not quite as equal as their male counterparts and are still expected to meet certain expectations and fulfill certain duties.
Since her family’s bankruptcy and the death of her father, Lily is forced into a role her mother provides for, all for the sake so that they will never “live like pigs” (p. 34). Lily would use her beauty to manipulate men and marry into wealth so that she can continue to live her luxurious lifestyle, yet she is unable to find a husband. She almost closes the deal with Percy Gryce, but she ruins the opportunity. Yes, he was incredibly wealthy, but she found him painfully boring and dull. Rather than play along with her role, she decided to make a decision for herself (at least in that moment), but later, she realizes what kind of opportunity she missed.
Today, women aren’t required to marry and have opportunities to make their own living to live the lifestyle of their choice (along with the social mobility), but there are still barriers that inhibit them. Yes, a relationship isn’t required, but there is a since of scrutiny whenever they reveal they don’t want to be in a relationship, and in the professional world, men are still greatly favored and make work opportunities difficult (and with less pay).
Then there are the expectations of family life. Women are expected to settle down and raise a family at some point. Some would argue, even though I disagree with this statement, that it’s what they secretly desire all along. Even in other media, the stereotypical set up is that the strong, independent, ambitious, driven female character is ultimately swayed and charmed by a male character and she pushes her goals to the side to be with him, such as in the German film, Grün ist die Heide. The character, Nora, is independent and ambitious with her own goals and dreams and plans on sailing to the US. The local judge tries to charm her and convince her to stay, but she continuously says no until she breaks her leg and is forced to stay. However, it is framed as that is what she wanted all along and actually fell in love with the judge in the process.
The House of Mirth focuses on a group of New Yorker socialites, but Wharton’s ultimate message of women’s forced limitations still has a meaning in our society. The situation might be different for people in different places and different social classes, but the underlying message that there are these limitations in place that stop them from fully experiencing societal freedom like their male counterparts.
Interesting reflection on how much has changed–and how much hasn’t changed–in Wharton’s time and in our own. The focus, though, remained quite broad and you might have spread yourself a bit thin–I’d love to see specific statistics or more concrete examples to back up your points related to the contemporary context (limitations in terms of field, pay, etc.). Fascinating connection to today’s society in any case!