House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

“She [Lily] began to cut the pages of a novel, tranquilly studying her prey through downcast lashes while she organized a method of attack (Wharton, 13).” The idea of Lily being the hunter juxtaposed with this idea of her being caged like the hunted- “How alluring the world outside the cage appeared to Lily, as she heard its door clang on her (43)!”

Throughout the novel, I thought of Miss Lily Bart as a skilled hunter. Wharton discussed Lily’s techniques and motivations as she manipulates the people around her. She possesses an uncanny ability of manipulation, which is coupled with beauty. It makes her a strong contender for the single men, especially Gryce and Seldon. She enchants them; however, the tactics that she utilizes for the two vary dramatically. When Lily accompanies Seldon, they banter and have a good time; yet, when Gryce graces Lily’s presence, she compliments him and feigns interest in his most prized possession, his Britannica collection. This idea that Miss Bart controls every situation links to another idea that the society traps her. The rich, high class culture hounds her and forces her into a confinement. Within the prison, she hunts to survive.

As Elmer Fud searches to find Bugs, so does Lily for high society.