The Business of Marriage

The House of Mirth
by Edith Wharton

Book 1, chap I-II

"Who wants a dingy woman? We are expected to be pretty and well-dressed till we drop- and if we can't keep it up alone, we have to go into partnership" (Wharton, 8).

This quote was spoken by Miss Lily Bart when talking to her friend Selden about the expectations of unmarried women of her time.  Reflecting the sentiments of the time, Lily explains how single men can choose their lifestyle and decide their future while single women must constantly maintain their appealing image in hopes of finding a husband to take care of them.  While giving the reader insight into the circumstances of the current time period, Lily's quote also gives light to her own personal feelings on the matter.  Throughout her conversation with Selden, Lily speaks about how finding a mate is a large part of her life, seemingly a duty or a job.  She even says that going to parties is part of the "business" of being a single woman looking for a man.  Lily seems jealous of Selden's situation as a man.  Though he may not be rich enough to live in a fancy house or buy every item he ever wanted, he is content and independent.  Lily displays envy in the fact that a girl must marry to have even a hope of a decent future, while a man may marry if he so chooses.
Later after her conversation with Selden, Lily displays just how important of a "business" finding a suitor is when she uses her obviously well-developed talents to engage herself into a deep conversation with a shy man and limited conversationalist named Mr. Gryce.  Lily's actions and talents involved in this conversation exhibit her need for a partnership, tying back into the quote.  I believe this quote gives the reader a deeper look into the setting of the novel and also into certain character traits of the prominent Lily Bart.