While House of Mirth is contextually set amongst the social elite of the early 20th century, many of its themes and even character tropes have been repeated consistently over the last century. As discussed in class, an increased interest in anthropological study made such writings that study and often criticize a specific sect of society that much more popular, and consistently so. One such representation that gained inspiration from Wharton’s classic novel is the popular 2000’s television series, Gossip Girl, which followed the social elite of Upper East Side New York as they navigated through their rich lifestyles in the wake of a popular gossip column that put their often immoral, manipulative, and vindictive lifestyles on display.
Many of the characters on the show symbolize directly the types of characters in House of Mirth, with a direct homage to the novel in the characters of Lily & Bart Bass, the most successful and powerful couple on the show, and also the most parental. Lily Bass seems to represent Lily Bart’s more hesitant side, as she herself has tried to rebel against the elitist lifestyle she grew up in but eventually gave into, while Bart Bass represents her most vain and vindictive side, as he uses power, manipulation, and sometimes criminality to gain his empire.
The show’s title refers to the anonymous website that displays all of the character’s “dirt” which is later revealed to be one of the show’s stars, Dan Humphrey, who himself is on the outside of the high society world, much like Selden. The gossip he posts is what initiates him into this society, similar to how Selden’s introductory scene initiates potential gossip around Lily (who is seen leaving his bachelor pad alone). Born to artistic parents rather than social elitists and business titans, Dan is not at first welcomed by his peers and instead writes himself into their world, eventually being accepted, but never considered one of them, much like Selden, who seems to spend a lot of time with the types of people he is not considered one of.
The central romantic story arc of the show features Dan and Lily Bass’ daughter, Serena. Much like Selden and Lily in House of Mirth, the characters seem to go back in forth on whether they are interested in each other, a main reason being their differing social statuses and views on money and wealth. However, because Dan is the one in charge of the gossip column, their relationship never suffers due to what is posted, unlike other turbulent relationships in the show, and like the relationship between Lily and Percy. The persistence of a world like the one in House of Mirth shows a continued interest in the dynamics of a social elitist class compared to middle-class lifestyles and the ways in which power and manipulation play into that world.
Great analysis of this contemporary cultural analog–and great use of images as well. I’m intrigued by the Dan / Selden connection. I remember one scene during the European tangent where Selden feels compelled to throw the gossip-column writer out of the carriage, or out of the restaurant (I forget). There’s great irony, as the gossipy objectivity that the column writer embodies is precisely the tenor of Selden’s own narration of his scene–both in and out of the game. Both the novel and the show, it seems, are glossy soaps that contain quite a profound layer of reflection on perspective, point of view, the possibilities of objectivity, etc. Great post!