Rumors Can Destroy [The House of Mirth Book 1: Chapters 11&12]

The House of Mirth
Edith Wharton

Literary devices are found everywhere in writing. "But society, amused for a while at playing Cinderella, soon wearied of the hearthside role, and welcomed the Fairy Godmother in the shape of any magician powerful enough to turn the shrunken pumpkin back again into the golden coach" (Wharton, 98). This is an allusion to the story of Cinderella, the author refers to the story as if the reader knows it, though that is not always the case.

Miss Stepney, who was upset with Lily for not allowing her to go to one of the few dinners Mrs. Peniston gave, decided that she needed to tell Lily's caretaker, Mrs. Peniston, of the rumors being said of her neice. Mrs. Peniston is not one for believing rumors, but Miss Stepney seemed to have some evidence that atleast part of the rumors may be true. (Which part of the rumors were true of course, but Mrs. Peniston, I guess, had no idea.) There were a lot of rumors going around about Lily and her relationships with Trenor and Dorset, but rumors can destory the person of whom these things are said. Rumors can ruin ones reputation or destroy their sense of self worth.

Selden is back! Him and his cousin, Gerty Farish, went to see a performance of live art, I guess that is what one would call it. Lily being part of the show is portrayed in a simple gown that would not be considered very appealing, but she was the most beautiful piece of art displayed. I feel that this represents that Lily is truly beautiful within, and she does not need all of the luxuries of the rich to display her true self.

Selden realizes his feelings for Miss Bart and expresses his love to her, but Lily does not express her feelings. Now I guess it is possible that the feelings are not really there which is why she did not express them, but i do not believe that for one second. I do not understand why the two seem to be continually running from their feelings for each other.