The House of Mirth

As suggested by this passage, which statement best describes the characteristics of the novel The House of Mirth?

• The fact that Mrs. Peniston does not like the country is a clue that the novel is a pastoral.

• The fact that Lily is an outsider in a wealthy society is a clue that the novel is a satire dealing with clashing cultures.

• The fact that Mr. Peniston has passed away is a clue that the novel is a mystery.

• The fact that the story is set in New York is a clue that the novel deals with regional influences.

In paragraph 4, what does the reader learn about Lily?

• She did not dislike traveling to see her aunt.

• She did not particularly care for her aunt.

• She did not wish to behave in the same manner as her aunt but felt the need to conform.

• She did not approve of her aunt’s expensive country home but stayed anyway.

Wharton uses recurring images of people who are inside houses looking out to establish

• that Lily has something to hide.

• that Lily never leaves the house.

• that Mrs. Peniston longs to explore the outside world

• that Mrs. Peniston observes life from a distance.

The society of the historical period described in The House of Mirth seems most influenced by

• politics and philosophy.

• community and class

• religion and morals.

• philanthropy and ethics.