The House of Mirth, Book 1, Sections 1 and 2

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

The House of Mirth begins with the meeting between the tale's protagonist, Lily Bart, and an acquaintance, Mr. Selden, meeting within the confines of a congested train station. Lily Bart looks to deviate from her dull and monotonous wait by escaping with Mr. Selden to his Bachelor Pad. From the moment the book starts, Wharton uses many fine details to express the standout beauty of Miss Lily Bart. As Mr. Selden gazes upon Lily Bart's person, Wharton writes, "he noted, with a purely impersonal enjoyment, how evenly the black lashes were set in her smooth white lids, and how the purplish shade beneath them melted into the pure pallour of the cheek" (Wharton 7). Not only are Lily Bart's features highlighted but her understanding of social graces and conversation and noted as well. During her and Mr. Selden's conversation in his house, it is quite evident that both person's possess a very lucid mind both with their educated insights of the ridiculousness of collecting Americana or their sharp, witty remarks. Although their conversation holds a sense of intimacy, it is clearly stated that Lily Bart has no intention of marrying Mr. Selden, mainly for his lesser social disposition, which she tactfully brings up time and time again. Her brief meeting with Mr. Selden brings up Lily Bart's conflicting feelings of genuine feelings or superficiality.

On the way out of the Benedick, Lily bumps into one of the possibly chief antagonists, Mr. Rosedale, a  very wealthy Jewish man. He inquires why she happens to be outside one of the buildings he possesses. Initially embarrassed to be seen at such a place, she foolishly fibs, telling Rosedale she was meeting with her dress-maker. Rosedale immediately sees through her lie and Lily narrowly escapes the awkward exchange in a taxi which in turn takes her to her train. To take her mind of her irresponsible remark, she happens to come across Mr. Percy Gryce, a wealthy yet painfully shy man. As she converses with the man, Wharton's incredible attention to real life social exchanges is shown through Lily's skillful exchanges with the man. When she finally is able to allow Gryce to open up, Wharton writes, "she felt the pride of a skillful operator" (Wharton 15). This is yet another testament to the heroines fine social graces.