EDITH WHARTON Edith Wharton was born as Edith Newbold Jones in an aristocratic family in the city of New York. Wharton had no formal education but she was privileged enough to use her father’s library and was privately educated at home by governesses and tutors. She was expected to learn the social etiquette and conduct herself as a well-bred woman. She exhibited her creative talents from her childhood. Even before she could read she …showed first 75 words of 1894 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1894 total…even in her death. Lily remains appreciated as a work of art and hence is defined by others. The very depiction of her death scene suggests display. Selden observes “ on the bed, with motionless hands and calm, unrecognizing face, the semblance of Lily Bart.” It sad to note that even in death appearance is the only thing that matters. In short women cannot help being treated as a commodity on both sides of the grave.