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Theme of the babylon revisited
Babylon Revisited
Theme of the babylon revisited
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When a person reads a novel or short story they are looking for something that they can relate to, some similar experience that they share with the characters. Since the fall of man in the garden of Eden people have been experiencing terrible circumstances, some brought about through their own actions, other brought about simply through life, or fate. Since tragedy is so common among humanity, an author can create an immediate connection between the reader and the story through use of tragedy. Both The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton and “Babylon Revisited” by F. Scott Fitzgerald use the main characters, Lily and Charlie, to portray a theme of tragedy brought about by fate, which is relatable to every person who has experienced loss in their life.
In The House of Mirth Lily Bart, the main character is a society miss at the mercy of the world that she lives in. Lily’s main problem is her lack of money and this problem ultimately leads to all the tragedy in her life. Lily’s lack money would not seem like a problem to many people today, because we all know several people who are living life to the fullest without many funds. But in Lily’s society one needs money in order to get a husband. Mary Balkun explained in her book that “Lily … live[s] in a world of country homes, dinner parties, and the theatre” all of which require the use of money to attend (73). Since Lily has no money she turns to George Dorset, the husband of Bertha Dorset, her friend. He aggress to help her gain money through the stock market, however, Lily does not realize that she is expected to give up something in return; her body. Because of her lack of money Lily is then forced into situations where she herself is in danger, such as when Mr. Dorset invites Lily ...
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...Wharton and Fitzgerald to pay homage to the fight for a better life, even if it is lost in the end.
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“For the first time in his life he sees her in a new light: he sees her as no longer the listless creature who had lived at his side in a state of self-absorption, but a mysterious alien presence an evil energy secreted from the long years of silent brooding…” (Wharton 117) Edith Wharton is best known for her books Ethan Frome and The House of Mirth. Wharton was often compared to another writer in her time, Henry James. Even though this occurred, she considered her books one of a kind. She was pleased with her work, but the critics were not. Often, she received poor reviews, but this did not stop her; in fact, she then went on to be the first woman to win The Legion of Honor Medal. Wharton also won the Pulitzer Prize and a gold
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The lives we lead and the type of character we possess are said to be individual decisions. Yet from early stages in our life, our character is shaped by the values, customs and mindsets of those who surround us. The characteristics of this environment affect the way we think and behave ultimately shaping us into a product of the environment we are raised in. Lily Bart, the protagonist in Edith Wharton’s The House of Mirth, is an exceedingly beautiful bachelorette who grows up accustomed to living a life of luxury amongst New York City’s upper-class in the 20th century. When her family goes bankrupt, Lily is left searching for security and stability, both of which, she is taught can be only be attained through a wealthy marriage. Although, Lily is ashamed of her society’s tendencies, she is afraid that the values taught in her upbringing shaped her into “an organism so helpless outside of its narrow range” (Wharton 423). For Lily, it comes down to a choice between two antagonistic forces: the life she desires with a happiness, freedom and love and the life she was cut out to live with wealth, prestige and power. Although, Lily’s upbringing conditioned her to desire wealth and prestige, Lily’s more significant desires happiness, freedom and love ultimately allow her to break free.
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Lily Bart and her mother have been socially "ruined" in a sense because of the economic failures of their father and husband respectfully. However, Lily's mother teaches her that she can still maintain a high social status if she marries well, i.e. a rich man. In fact, Lily's mother is known for making the most out of the least as she is "famous for the unlimited effect she produced on limited means" (Wharton 48). In a society where women are considered valuable only for the appearance they present, it is impossible f...
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