Working for a Living?

As Lily goes about her life in The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, she realizes that she is going to have to become employed. Mrs. Fisher is able to help her achieve this goal. Lily becomes employed with a woman, Mrs. Hatch. Ms. Bart serves as her seceretary. Lily's intentions were partially to become less dependent on Gerty. Like Lily, most people do not particularly like asking for help from other people. The vast majority of people believe they are invincible and can deal with whatever life throws at them. Lily is trying to become more independent by accepting the job as Mrs. Hatch's secretary. However, Selden believes that Lily should go back to stay with Gerty. When Lily sees Selden at her work, she is taken back for a moment. Though Lily hates Selden, she cannot help but fnd herself lured by his intrinsic nature. "Even under the most adverse conditions, that pleasure always made itself felt; she might hate him, but she had never been able to wish hi out of the room" (Wharton, 225). This quotes illustrated Lily's ability to hate Selden lovingly.