eBook - ePub
The House of Mirth
About this book
A brilliant portrait of ambition, desire, and social constraint, The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton is a powerful exploration of wealth, status, and the price of belonging in Gilded Age New York. First published in 1905, this enduring classic remains one of the most incisive and emotionally resonant novels of American literature.
At the center of the story is Lily Bart, a beautiful and intelligent young woman raised to value luxury and refinement above all else. Trapped within a rigid social world where marriage is the primary means of security, Lily seeks both financial stability and genuine affection. Yet her longing for independence and authenticity clashes with the unforgiving expectations of the elite society in which she moves. As she navigates glittering drawing rooms, country estates, and fashionable European travels, Lily becomes entangled in a web of gossip, financial vulnerability, and moral compromise.
Wharton's keen social insight reveals a world governed by appearance and power, where fortunes are made and reputations destroyed with ruthless efficiency. Through Lily's gradual fall from privilege to isolation, the novel exposes the precarious position of women in a society that prizes beauty and charm but offers little protection or agency. Each choice Lily makes carries profound consequences, and her struggle becomes both deeply personal and universally human.
With elegance and precision, Wharton dissects the codes of conduct, class hierarchies, and unspoken rules that define her characters' lives. Beneath the novel's refined surface lies a sharp critique of materialism and hypocrisy, as well as a compassionate understanding of human weakness and longing. Lily Bart emerges as one of literature's most unforgettable heroines—flawed, courageous, and tragically vulnerable.
Both a social satire and a poignant tragedy, The House of Mirth is a timeless meditation on freedom, identity, and the cost of conformity. Edith Wharton's masterful storytelling continues to captivate readers, offering a haunting reflection on the pursuit of happiness in a world where success is measured by wealth and reputation.
Trusted by 375,005 students
Access to over 1.5 million titles for a fair monthly price.
Study more efficiently using our study tools.
Information
Subtopic
ClassicsIndex
LiteratureTable of contents
- Cover
- Title Page
- Copyright
- Contents
- Book 1
- Book 2
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can cancel anytime from the Subscription tab in your account settings on the Perlego website. Your subscription will stay active until the end of your current billing period. Learn how to cancel your subscription
No, books cannot be downloaded as external files, such as PDFs, for use outside of Perlego. However, you can download books within the Perlego app for offline reading on mobile or tablet. Learn how to download books offline
Perlego offers two plans: Essential and Complete
- Essential is ideal for learners and professionals who enjoy exploring a wide range of subjects. Access the Essential Library with 800,000+ trusted titles and best-sellers across business, personal growth, and the humanities. Includes unlimited reading time and Standard Read Aloud voice.
- Complete: Perfect for advanced learners and researchers needing full, unrestricted access. Unlock 1.5M+ books across hundreds of subjects, including academic and specialized titles. The Complete Plan also includes advanced features like Premium Read Aloud and Research Assistant.
We are an online textbook subscription service, where you can get access to an entire online library for less than the price of a single book per month. With over 1.5 million books across 990+ topics, we’ve got you covered! Learn about our mission
Look out for the read-aloud symbol on your next book to see if you can listen to it. The read-aloud tool reads text aloud for you, highlighting the text as it is being read. You can pause it, speed it up and slow it down. Learn more about Read Aloud
Yes! You can use the Perlego app on both iOS and Android devices to read anytime, anywhere — even offline. Perfect for commutes or when you’re on the go.
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app
Please note we cannot support devices running on iOS 13 and Android 7 or earlier. Learn more about using the app
Yes, you can access The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton in PDF and/or ePUB format, as well as other popular books in Literature & Classics. We have over 1.5 million books available in our catalogue for you to explore.