The House of Mirth: Book I, Chapters XII and XIII

Miss Bart shows a new light to her character in this next section of Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth. Throughout the novel, Miss Bart has changed a great deal that I would label her as a dynamic character. She is first seen as a selfish and spoiled woman who is able to obtain anything she wanted. This section shows quite the contrary. Miss Farish informs Selden that, "Lily had given us three hundred dollars... she collected a lot of money from her friends... she has been there with me twice... but as if she liked it as much as they did" (Wharton, 108). It seems as though Miss Bart has had a change of heart throughout the entire novel. She is beginning to put others, specifically those in need, first before herself. She could have used that money to buy a new dress, or spent her time at some dinner or party. Later, when the painting of Miss Bart is displayed during the performance, Mr. Van Alstyne observes, "What's a woman want with jewels when she's got herself to show" (Wharton, 112). Rather than covering her dress with jewels and expensive accessories, Miss Bart wears a simple dress. This seems very unlike the Miss Bart that was observed earlier in the novel who spent all her money on the finest clothing. Miss Bart is finally becomming her true self, and who Selden wants her to be.