How Can Money Buy Happiness In The House Of Mirth

Many say that money cannot buy happiness; in Edith Wharton's "The House of Mirth" the saying could never hold truer. Often times, morality fell second to the deep need for financial security. New York's high society in the early 20th century eradicated some, while making others realize their true beliefs. Social Darwinism was at the height of its popularity and many people believed in survival of the fittest. The characters in "The House of Mirth" show that life is what you make of it. Those who live most comfortably financially seem to live most ill at ease with themselves; follies and triumphs are portrayed in the characters of Gus Trenor and Lawrence Selden.
Gus Trenor is allowed to behave however he would like due to his financial situation. He likes to assist young women in fiscal need in turn for romantic favors. Throughout the book it is made clear to the reader how generally disliked he is. Edith Wharton describes Mr. Trenor as "…a coarse dull man who under all show of authority was a mere supernumerary in the costly show for which his money paid…" (90)
Lawrence Selden seems to be the moral rock in his social circle. Selden is not very smart in the subject of love. He doesn't realize that his cousin, Gerty
The worry of money, whether too much or too little is still something to be anxious about. Selden rarely is decisive and opinionated. Although he may have shared with Lily that he did not agree with the majority of upper class New York, he never voiced his opinion to the those people. Selden's quiet ways also extended to his love life. Selden would try to indirectly flirt with Lily; she wouldn't know whether to be insulted or flattered. When he finally did make his first decisive move he was brutally disappointed to find his love was dead. He shares one last moment with her when he realizes that his negative views on some of her life choices is the main reason that has kept them