The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

Name: The House of Mirth
Author: Edith Wharton

Wealthy and beautiful Lily Bart lives among the aristocracy of New York City, but her life is marked by a lack of financial security and a dwindling social status. She is determined to marry a wealthy man to secure her future, but her own moral values and sense of integrity often conflict with this goal. As Lily navigates the complexities of high society, she must confront the consequences of her choices and the limitations imposed on her by her gender and social class.

By Edith Wharton · First published 1905 · Genre: Social Realism, Tragedy, Satire · 29 chapters · 149,327 words

First lines

Selden paused in surprise. In the afternoon rush of the Grand Central Station his eyes had been refreshed by the sight of Miss Lily Bart.

What this Textopian page supports

The House of Mirth is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edith Wharton, dated 1905 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Edith Wharton
Date: 1905 CE
Language: English
Genres: Social Realism, Tragedy, Satire, Psychological Fiction, Romantic Fiction
Length: 149,327 words
Structure: 29 chapters, 2,055 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The House of Mirth?
How does this novel by Edith Wharton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Social Realism first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Social Realism — The narrative provides a critical view of society and its inherent flaws, particularly the constraints imposed on women and the class system.
Tragedy — The protagonist's downfall is caused by her own decisions and societal pressures, leading to a tragic end.
Satire — The narrative uses irony and sarcasm to critique the superficiality and materialism of the upper class.
Psychological Fiction — The narrative delves into the protagonist's psyche, exploring her motivations, desires, and internal conflicts.