Discussion Questions for
The House of Mirth

Book One, Chapter 15 and Book Two, Chapters 1-3

  1. Why does Mrs. Peniston refuse to help Lily out of her financial troubles?

  2. From Lily's point of view, what are the pros and cons associated with marrying Rosedale?

  3. What are Carry Fisher's plans for the Brys on the French Riviera?

  4. Why has Bertha Dorset invited Lily to join her and her husband George on their trip to France? How does this make Lily's position in France fragile?

  5. When George Dorset threatens to divorce Bertha Dorset, what does he accuse her of doing? How does Bertha Dorset retaliate?

  6. Why does the dinner with the Duchess and the Brys turn out to be so completely catastrophic for Lily?


John D. Schwetman, English 1001, Spring 2000