House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

Before and while I read this book, my classmates told me the stupidity of Lily Bart, the horrible ending, and the ludicrous situations Lily placed herself. I agree mostly with their comments, especially as I started reading. Then, I started to relate with Miss Lily. Sometimes, I follow the path that is placed in front of me instead of what I wanted. She felt pressured into marrying rich; however, she could not find it in herself to accept the various offers. It was not what she wanted. Every time that she got close to marriage, she realized that the proposer who wanted her hand was not in reality who she wanted. I am not trying to vindicate Lily’s actions because she has made so many mistakes. She consciously made bad decisions, but she could not have predicted the harsh repercussions. Sometimes, life runs away from us, and we stay doubled over until we catch our breath.