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'The House of Mirth' and Edith Wharton's "Beyond!"

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From: Philological Quarterly
Date: 19930622
Author:Gabler-Hover, Janet; Plate, Kathleen

Edith Wharton in 'The House of Mirth' explores language's transformative possibilities. The heroine, Lily Bart, chooses 'Beyond!' as the word on her seal, expressing her desire to go beyond the social conventions of patriarchy. The function of 'Beyond!' in the novel can be interpreted through a feminist metaphysics. The novel suggests that female artistry risks attracting male desire. Male control of language leaves Lily's desire unable to be fulfilled through social transformation. Thus the desire to go beyond becomes veiled. Lily's emotions are not reciprocated until the word is exchanged ...

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