The House of Mirth: Book II XII-IVX

I found the end of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth shocking. I'll admit I expected Selden to sweep in and save Lily from her poverty and to live happily ever after. Unfortunately, that is not the ending Wharton had in mind. An interesting aspect of the story, however, is how close it came to being a happy ending. Selden, realizing his love for Lily, rushed to her, but was too late. I think the possibility of a happy future is symbolized in Lily's meeting with Nettie Struther. Like Lily, Nettie was sick and struggling in her life. However, she was able to work her way out of poverty and create a happy marriage and life. Seeing Nettie should have shown Lily how, with hard work and determination, she could put her life back on track. At first it does, Lily admits "she felt stronger and happier: the little episode had done her good" (Wharton, 257). But instead of perservering, Lily continues to spiral into darkness. I believe it says much of Lily's character that, despite hearing Nettie's inspiring story, she was unable to picture a happy future herself. This seems a direct contrast to the passionate and determinate Lily I saw in Chapter I, and goes to show how far her character had fallen.