| Through her novels, American writer Edith Wharton portrayed the complex and restrictive social mores of the Victorian era, often focusing her gaze on New York society. Lily Bart, the heroine of one such book, The House of Mirth (1905), moves through society with the aim of finding a suitable and wealthy husband. Unsuccessful in her search, she suffers declining fortunes and is reduced to poverty, excluded from the social circles she once charmed and burdened with financial debts. In this passage from late in the book, Lily experiences a moment of high emotion before realizing the hopelessness of her situation. Recited by an actor. |
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