The House of Mirth: Book 1 III-IV

In this next section of The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton, Mrs. Trenor plays a significant part in encouraging Lily to try to marry Mr. Gryce and to symbolize the "perfect" woman in the early 1900s society.  Mrs. Trenor is described by Lily as "to exist only as a hostess," (Wharton, 32).  Mrs. Trenor prides herself in giving parties and makes herself the best hostess out of everyone and has become the envy of many other women for this reason.  Along with hosting as a trait for the "perfect" woman, Mrs. Trenor also knows everything about everyone and enjoys gossiping about what she can.  She also finds excitement in putting matches of men and women together to help the course of "true love."  Mrs. Trenor exemplifies the 1900s image of the "perfect" woman.  The party at the Bellomont reminds me of the parties in the PBS show Downton Abbey.  The mere drama and arrangement of all of the people and who to invite to certain events reminds me of how Cora arranges all of the parties and makes certain that each will be a success.  Also on Downton Abbey Cora and Robert have some trouble with their daughter Lady Sybil.  She would like to marry someone who is not of noble birth and Robert struggles with this deeply.  Eventually though Cora and Robert support Lady Sybil completely.