New and Improved

In this portion of The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, Lily seems to be adjusting to a new way of life. She is invited by Mrs. Fisher to a party at the Gomer's house. Lily hesitantly agrees to come and I think that it was in her best interest to join the dinner party. She knew that she had to make changes on the account of her aunt's death earlier on in the book. "It seemed to Lily, as Mrs. Peniston's door closed on her, that she was taking a final leave of her old life" (Wharton, 187). In Lily's efforts to conform to a new self, she discusses with Mrs. Fisher the idea of marriage. I think that Lily was apprehensive to speak about getting married with Mrs. Fisher, but I think that if Lily starts to think about her long-term plans then she can set goals for herself that will allow her to move in the right direction. Lily had established that she was going to try to marry Rosedale, but this decision was made prior to an unexpected visit from George Dorset. His apologetic comments were not accepted with gratitude by Lily. I think that George Dorset will continue to play a role in the closing chapters of the novel.