The House of Mirth: Book I, Chapters III and IV

Throughout this next section of The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, the author uses details of the setting for multiple reasons. Wharton not only uses setting to establish a time and place, but she also allows powerful imagery to help the reader visualize the atmosphere. Bellomont is presented as a very visually appealing location when Wharton states, "The hall was arcaded... pale yellow marble... Tall clumps of flowering plants... dark foliage... crimson carpet... struck sparkles from their jewels" (Wharton, 19). This imagery used in the setting allows the reader to illustrate Bellomont in their mind in order to gain a better understanding of Miss Bart's experiences. Most people would be in awe with such skilled architecture and emanate colors, but Miss Bart is not longer impressed. Furthermore, this sample of setting not only allows the reader to imagine the experience, but also gives the reader the opportunity to learn more about Miss Bart's picky nature. Later, after a night of reflecting on her unfortunate past, Miss Bart wakes up and observes, "[her] surroundings ministered to feelings of ease and amenity" (Wharton, 31). Wharton continues this paragraph by giving a detailed explanation of the atmosphere of this scene. She offers descriptions of a park with well trimmed hedges outside, a fire kindled and breakfast-tray placed by the maid, and a beautiful scenery. From these observations, the reader can grasp a sense of how Miss Bart is accustomed to a luxurious and wealthy lifestyle.