The House of Mirth

The conflict between societal expectations and personal desires is central to the story, as Lily Bart navigates the pressures of high society. Skilled in social maneuvering, she faces the dilemma of choosing between a life of luxury through a strategic marriage and pursuing a genuine relationship founded on respect and love. Ultimately, her internal struggles lead her to undermine her opportunities for wealth, highlighting the tension between ambition and authenticity in a rigid social structure.