What better way is there to start a story then with sighting an old friend in an untypical place. Edith Wharton seems to have set up what at first glance can be described as a typical cliche love story, even with the cheesy comments like "his eyes had been refreshed by the sight of Miss Lily Bart" (Wharton, 1).Selden, the first character introduced, who longs for Lily Bart, meets her in a place that is described as unsuited for her attendance. Selden longs for more interaction with Lily Bart, who seems to have no desire to do the same with Selden. The feel of a typical love story disappears as the first chapter progresses. Lily Bart reveals that she wishes to abandon the domestic lifestyle that the time period has condemned her to live for a bachelorette lifestyle. Lily Bart dreams of home ownership, which was unheard of at the time, and to be unrestricted by a husband, also against the grain of society.
Along with Lily Bart and Selden, two other characters are introduced. Mr. Rosedale, a model of obsession for high-living who's primary concern is conforming with society and making himself look good, and Mr. Gryce, who can be described as soft spoken and will probably disappear into the background of the story. I think that the outstanding theme of the story will be to go against the grain of society, only time will reveal whether I am correct or not.
No comments:
Post a Comment