The Role of Family and Generational Conflict in The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton (1905)

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The Role of Family and Generational Conflict in The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton (1905)

Expanding the Roles:
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton explores the life of Lily Bart, a young woman navigating the complex and often harsh societal expectations of New York’s high society during the Gilded Age. The novel examines themes of class, marriage, social expectations, and the generational conflict between personal desires and familial obligations. For literature students, The House of Mirth is a rich text for understanding the pressures of social class, especially for women, and how family dynamics contribute to individual choices.

  • Family Expectations and Social Conformity:
    Lily’s struggle to marry well reflects the pressures placed on women to secure their place in society through advantageous marriages. Students can explore how Wharton critiques the rigid social structure that dictates personal and familial decisions.

  • Generational Conflict and Societal Norms:
    Lily’s relationship with her family, especially her aunt, highlights the generational divide and the tension between traditional expectations and individual desires. Literature students can analyze how these tensions shape Lily’s choices and her eventual downfall.

What We Learn:
The House of Mirth provides literature students with a nuanced exploration of social class, family dynamics, and generational conflict. The novel critiques the limitations placed on women by societal norms and the emotional toll of seeking personal fulfillment within a rigid social structure.

Published by Henry