Representation of Manners :: essays research papers

Representation of MannersThe novel of manners is a novel that focuses on the customs, values, and mindset of a particular class or group of people who be situated in a limited historical context (Bowers and Brothers 5). The context tends to be one in which demeanour has been codified and language itself has become formu new-fashionedd, resulting in a suppressing or correct of individual expression. Often, this type of novel details a conflict betwixt the individuals desires and the ethical, moral, economic, or interpersonal mandates of society (Bowers and Brothers 5). The dramatic art of contentment by Edith Wharton is a novel of manners concerned with the subtle nuances of bearing and standards of correctness portrayed by the upper-class of refreshed York in the late 1890s. In the novel, Wharton uses the genre to depict Lily Barts struggle to take note individualism while conforming to societys expectations.The novel of manners create in the 19th century as authors exp lored the place of women in society and the tender effect of marriage (Bowers and Brothers 4). These authors wanted to show in particular the problems that come with marriage as well as with the problems of conforming to society. The world of the novel of manners was perceived as a charwomans world, viewed from a womans perspective (Bowers and Brothers 4).The genre developed four specific conventionalitys in the 19th century. Out of the four, three of the conventions are represented in The House of Mirth. One of the conventions was that the protagonist of the novel was usually a single woman looking to get married. The second convention dealt with the womans understanding of the socio-economic class within the novel. This was an important portion because it determined whom the woman would marry. The third convention found in The House of Mirth was the novel ending with the marriage or death of the protagonist, the persona of Lily Bart, death. The House Mirth portrays all these conventions in the novel but sort of of Lily conforming to society, Lily attempts to develop her own self-identity and independence.Lily Bart, the protagonist of The House of Mirth, was an unmarried 29 year old woman who desired to be a social success or to get as much as one could come forth of life (Wharton 81). Her mission was to marry a relatively wealthy man, thereby ensuring her financial stability and a place in the higher levels of New York society.