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Female doubling: the other Lily Bart in Edith Wharton's 'The House of Mirth.'

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From: Papers on Language & Literature
Date: 19930922
Author:Sapora, Carol Baker

Edith Wharton explores the dual nature of women using female doubling in 'The House of Mirth.' Wharton's character Lily Bart explores her public and personal self after two men believe she has very different qualities when a painting of her is uncovered. Convention is subverted to show the limits of being put on a pedestal and being considered of less moral fiber. Lily is able to see herself both within and outside of patriarchical society and must combat the temptation to abdicate moral responsibility for herself.

At Mrs. Wellington Bry's evening of tableaux vivants, when the curtain ...

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