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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 5 page paper discusses the major themes in the novels "A Hazard of New Fortunes" by Howells and "The House of Mirth" by Edith Wharton, and argues that they are inseparable from the characters. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_HVHazHou.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
looking at the themes might be most rewarding, because the characters actions are so intertwined with the society as depicted in the books that a study of that relationship should
be rewarding. That is, the character of Lily Bart in House of Mirth would not be who she is if it werent for the society in which she moves; that
society is one of the books major themes. Lets see what else we can discover. Discussion All writers are influenced by their environment, but it seems that Edith Wharton was
perhaps more influence that most; she was born into the "small world of old New York," which was a society of strong morality and high standards and the strength they
instilled, but it was also "a suffocating world that stifled spontaneous expressions of emotion: Wharton became increasingly aware of the deprivation inflicted by such a society, and although she eventually
forgave, she always remembered it with pain" (Wolff). It is this lack of spontaneity, the need for everything to be done according to the dictates of a judgmental society, that
condemns Lily Bart. The women in Whartons novels are "painfully" repressed, and if the men are as well, its not to the same degree. "The men, at least, had the
opportunity to exercise their intellects--they went away to college, and if they were not encouraged to enter business or a profession, it was at least possible for them to do
so" (Wolff). Women didnt have even these limited options; they were expected to get married, have families and give lovely parties (Wolff). The women of this society were not expected
to "do" anything, they were expected to "be young American beauties" (Wolff). In such a society, a young woman who doesnt obey the rules is doomed. Lily Bart was born
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