Sisters from Other Misters
Charlotte Temple, written in 1791, presents the story of Charlotte, a very young, middle-class girl, who is seduced by a much older man named Montraville, who falls for her beauty. This act and her kidnapping to America leads to the premature end of her life. According to the narrative of the novel, Charlotte's story is supposed to be a lesson for young female readers to teach them how *not* to lead their lives. This is similar to Lydia in Pride and Prejudice, when she runs away with Wickham. However, Lydia is spared criticism from the society because her father, uncle, and Darcy race ensure her marriage.“But when beauty of person, elegance of manner, and an easy method of paying compliments, are united to the scarlet coat, smart cockade, and military sash, ah! well-a-day for the poor girl who gazes on him: she is in imminent danger” (Rowson, p. 22)
Similarly, Lily Bart, the protagonist in House of Mirth, is a much more mature woman than Charlotte, and is on the look out for a potential husband. This novel of manners indicates the true reality of society in Lily's time period, as it elaborately describes how Lily's appearance was her only way to find a source of wealth through marriage. Lily's mother, along with the many voices in society, make her believe that she needs to be rich and of the upper class to be viewed with respect. To accomplish this feat, she needs to use her beauty to attract rich men, or rather, wealth.
It seems that regardless of how loyal women are to their families, society finds a way to belittle them. Charlotte loves her family and is deeply troubled by her actions and their reflection on her family, yet her elopement with Montraville casts her as a strong symbol of disgrace and shame in the eyes of society. As the narrator emphasizes:
"When once a woman has stifled the sense of shame in her own bosom, [...] she has lost sight of the basis on which reputation, honour, every thing that should be dear to the female heart, rests, she grows hardened in guilt, and will spare no pains to bring down innocence and beauty" (Rowson, p. 25)
On the other hand, Lily does exactly as her mother taught her. She objectifies herself and uses herself as a tool of beauty that is solely meant to attract men. In doing this, she reinforces society's view of her value as based on her appearance only.
