The house of joy

A classic of American and world literature, The House of Joy portrays, through Lily's story, female subjectivity, empowerment and the very construction of what it means to be a woman in the early 20th century.

The novel "The House of Mirth" is set in early 20th-century New York, revealing American high society and its habits, desires, secrets, and ostentation. In the midst of this reality lies Lily Bart, a beautiful and well-educated young woman who finds herself financially destitute after the death of her parents. She is then taken in by her aunt, the only relative willing to help her, and begins to do her best to maintain her place among the great figures of society, even though her circumstances prevent her from maintaining her luxuries.

Lily Bart, with her sharp personality and a knack for reading people, maintains her place among the wealthy as a sort of trinket, being invited to parties, events, country stays, and even trips. Her goal, as her upbringing taught her, is to find a husband who can afford her luxuries, allowing her to live a comfortable life without sacrificing her happiness. However, her age is already considered advanced for marriage, and her living conditions do not go unnoticed by her group of friends.

The novel depicts the various restrictions imposed on women in society, from economic to moral. The protagonist, Lily, is repeatedly faced with the impossibility of being treated as an equal by men, especially in the business world, and sees her reputation ruined by simple actions such as going for a walk or traveling alone in the company of a man. The House of Joy presents the tricks men can create based on their position of power, as well as the complex friendships of women, who, sometimes weakened by the social structure of competition, can fall into the trap of becoming enemies.

In this masterpiece, Edith Wharton presents a glimpse into her personal experience amid New York high society and illuminates various social critiques, such as the role imposed on women in society, women's education focused solely on marital goals, and the unequal treatment of the sexes. Lily Bart is a strong and unforgettable protagonist, to be loved and hated, but above all, understood.