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Symbol

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Submitted By 226chulo
Words 1120
Pages 5
Aisha Sylvain
Dr. Kemp
AML 4101
5 October, 2011

House of Mirth and Their Eyes Were Watching God are both novels dealing with issues concerning woman’s roles and capabilities in a certain societies. To completely understand the plight of woman during this era, one must understand how the societies in which they came from function. Lily Bart is by no means from a lower class; however, the most elite class in which she wishes to become a part of requires strategic finagling and unfortunately, harsh criticism her peers. Janie Crawford, who was raised by her grandmother, is capable of being “somebody” because of her Caucasian like beauty and her grandmother’s will that she does so. Both stories were written in the early 19th century and include young women finding their places in society, discovering love, and attempting to find self-fulfillment. Lily Bart attempts to socially climb her way into an elitist class and similarly, Janie is expected to get into and stay in a good class. No matter the means to get on top, these women were expected to do so. Although all things that were expected of Lily Bart and Janie Crawford were not completely reached, a better understanding of themselves was gained in each story. The societies in which both characters lived were also accurately depicted.
Lily Bart is beautiful, smart, and strategic in seeking membership into the highest class in New York in the early 19th century. When the novel begins, Lily is 29 years old and has allowed years worth of suitable bachelors pass her by. Perhaps it was Lily’s pride that stood in her way of choosing a suitor or possibly her search for authentic love. Lily also has a gambling problem and addiction to sleep medications that affects her success in finding the right suitor. Throughout House of Mirth, Lily’s growth in her understanding of class status and where she fits into the class system

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