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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A paper which looks at the patriarchal systems in Edith Wharton's 'The House of Mirth', the way in which these are maintained by both the male and female characters, and the effect which the social structure depicted in the novel has on the life of Lily Bart.
Page Count:
14 pages (~225 words per page)
File: JL5_JLhousemirt.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
There are a number of ways in which Edith Whartons critique of patriarchal systems in The House of Mirth can be analysed, in terms of the way in which she
describes different societal systems and also the extent to which she attempts to offer valid alternatives to oppression. It is also helpful to take into account how far Whartons own
experience and socio-cultural background allows her to give an impartial and distanced perspective on the culture which she is describing, particularly with regard to the amount of psychological, social and
economic freedom which women have. It is certainly
the case that even in the present day, there is a tendency for women to be subjugated by the patriarchal system, and this is something which occurs despite the feminist
and post-feminist movements and numerous legislative moves intended to promote gender equality. It is clear, therefore, that in the society which Wharton explores in New York at the turn of
the century is likely to demonstrate far more social constraints and strict behavioural codes which mediate against gender equality and the socio-economic freedom of women.
However, the novel does not simply deal with Lily Barts failure to either
make a successful marriage or to strike out for her own independence, but shows the many other factors which operate in the scheming and manipulation which go on beneath a
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