already substantial fortune. Set against the back drop of the 1890's New York ruling class, Wharton places her tragic heroine, Lily Bart, in a society that she describes as a " 'hot-house of traditions and conventions.' " The traditions and conventions of society indifferently press upon her as she loses her wealth and social standing and fails to support herself through labor. Lily herself at one point notes, it is important to remain visible in her social circle, otherwise her already dwindling prospects for marriage would be further depleted. Despite her financially reduced circumstances, Lily lives in a society that places a premium on displays of wealth and fashion. In order to remain in good social standing, and to foster marriage prospects, she resorts to borrowing money for dresses, bridge, and any other number of goods that are commonly consumed among her friends and which without, she would be cast out as poor and shabby. The House of Mirth found instant acclaim and sold over 140,000 copies in the first two months.

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