Book II: Chapters III & IV

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Chapters III & IV (pgs. 168-187)

Edith Wharton employs multiple literary techniques throughout the novel. The particular techniques I have seen most often are similes, metaphors, imagery, and stream of conscieusness. Wharton utilizes similes and metaphors to describe the feelings and thoughts of characters beyond just being happy and sad. These techniques not only add dimension to the character, but they also provide an insight into American culture in the early 1900s. For example, "Where Judy Trenor led, all the world would follow; and LIly had the doomed snese of the castaway who has signalled in vain to the fleeing sails," (Wharton, 185). Because Wharton references the world and uses sailsin the metaphor implies that the only way to travel across the world was by sailing on a boat. Moreover, Wharton goes beyond describing Lily's situation with a metaphor to explain the manner of Lily's situation in a more understandable and clear fashion. Wharton starts describing each setting with vivid imagery to emphasize its importance with how the characters interact with each other. Also, Wharton weaves multiple streams of conscieusness into the novel to magnify on the inner conflicts manuvering within each characters mind. The stream of conscieusness clarifies the novel and helps explain the actions and feelings of the characters in greater detail, especially Lily Bart. Whatron uses sophisticated diction that shifts upon the movement of each character. Whenever Lily moves across a space or enters a room, Wharton employs elegant and breathtaking diction to set the tone and emphasize the essence and effect of Lily's beauty. Wharton's effective use of literary techniques effectively shape the novel.