House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

“She [Lily] had paled a little under the shock of the insult, but the discomposure of the surrounding faces was not reflected in her own (Wharton, 176).”

                The antagonist, Bertha, has foiled Lily one too many times. Both have similar qualities; they want to stay in the high class world. They flirt with men. However, they have many different qualities. Beautiful and outgoing, Lily is the center of attention in Europe; whereas, everyone views Bertha as dull and unappealing. One quality sets Bertha apart. She has what Lily wants, a comfortable home with a rich husband. Bertha uses Lily when she sees the time fit; however, now is one of those times where she has had enough. Jealousy of Lily’s success in Europe and her failing marriage pushed Bertha Dorset off the edge. Her life was unraveling as Dorset started to demand a divorce. However, Mrs. Dorset, clever and conniving, threw all the guilt onto Miss Bart. She blamed her for getting in between her husband and her. George Dorset always liked jealousy, and knowing this, Bertha tried to save her marriage. To do so, she exiled Lily, who could not return to the yacht. Although this curve ball was thrown, Lily held her composure. Both knew how to play the game of manipulation well. In this case, Lily lost horribly. Afterwards, the news that Lily tried to break the bond of marriage spread. Her friends separated from her, and Mrs. Peniston took her out of the will.