Lily and Becky: A Flower and a Weed

Type :

School essay

Pages :

4 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

12/19/2007

Category :

Philosophy & literature

Sub category :

Literature

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Summary :

Introduction
A case in the contrary
The character of Rebecca
Tthe situation between Bertha and Ned
Lily Bart contrary to Rebecca
Conclusion
Works cited

Abstract

William Makepeace Thackeray's Vanity Fair was published in book form for the first time in 1848, and was available in serialized editions one year prior. Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth was published in 1905 making it highly likely that Wharton was aware of Vanity Fair and the main character of that novel becky Sharp. The House of Mirth similarly uses a female character as its main protagonist and they seem to be very good foil characters in that both of them are looking to cement themselves into a high standing in the society in which they live. The difference between the two women is that they come from different countries, England and the United States. They are both outsides looking for a way into the circle, although they both have ins, they want ways to stay there. Could it be the case, because of how these two women were written, that American women in the aristocracy are better than English women of the aristocracy? The more likely result of a reading of these two novels is that both are equally as bad. The reasoning for this is Rebecca is in the circle at times and she is a woman who lacks moral integrity, and lily is part of the group but she is being forced out and she is a person who though she is misconceived by many of those around her is of good character.