Research Paper on:
House of Mirth by Edith Wharton and Patriarchy

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
  There are a number of ways in which Edith Whartons critique of patriarchal systems in The House of Mirth can be analysed, in terms of the way in which she  describes different societal systems and also the extent to which she attempts to offer valid alternatives to oppression. It is also helpful to take into account how far Whartons own  experience and socio-cultural background allows her to give an impartial and distanced perspective on the culture which she is describing, particularly with regard to the amount of psychological, social and  economic freedom which women have. It is certainly  the case that even in the present day, there is a tendency for women to be subjugated by the patriarchal system, and this is something which occurs despite the feminist  and post-feminist movements and numerous legislative moves intended to promote gender equality. It is clear, therefore, that in the society which Wharton explores in New York at the turn of  the century is likely to demonstrate far more social constraints and strict behavioural codes which mediate against gender equality and the socio-economic freedom of women.  However, the novel does not simply deal with Lily Barts failure to either  make a successful marriage or to strike out for her own independence, but shows the many other factors which operate in the scheming and manipulation which go on beneath a