House of Mirth by Edith Wharton.
In the beginning of Chapter III, there is a prime example of lavishness and luxury experienced by the upper class of the early twentieth century. However, the setting is not the most important information that can be gleaned from this chapter. More about Lily Bart's personality is revealed, especially the aspect of her being a man eater, as well as being thrifty despite her desire to live lavishly. Lily Bart expresses her desire to live in the lap of luxury, however, she tires of being handed the means to do so. Lily Bart finds herself in a tricky predicament where she lacks the means to live the rich life on her own, which Wharton reveals about Lily Bart when it is stated that "For a long time she had refused to play bridge. She knew she could not afford it, and she was afraid of acquiring so expensive a taste" (Wharton, 20), while at the same time, Lily Bart does not want to be handed luxury or fortune.
Also in this section of the book, much of Lily Bart's past is revealed through flashbacks. Family issues and influence are revealed. Mr. Bart never really had a huge impact on lily because of his absence from the home. Lily's primary influence was her mother, who's vanity and shallowness were passed on to Lily. However, it seems that Lily wishes to break free from the vanity ingrained into her personality from her youth. Lily reveals that she refuses to marry a man solely on the fact that he is wealthy.
Along with the development of the main characters, several minor characters are revealed, most of whom are more than likely destined to disappear from the story.
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