The Bestselling Novel: Currents in American History and Culture

Sisters from Other Misters

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titledcterms:titleSisters from Other Misters
contentsioc:contentNeedless to say, that regardless of the difference in the time periods that the two novels, Charlotte Temple and House of Mirth, were written in, both the protagonists, Charlotte and Lily, face similar societal issues with regards to the views directed at them.

“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)

Charlotte Temple was written in 1791, in which the protagonist, Charlotte, is a very young, middle-class girl, who ends up being seduced by a much older man named Montraville, who falls for her beauty. This leads to the eventual ending 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 elopes with Wickham. However, Lydia receives less criticism from the society because Wickham is a rich, reputable man. 

Similarly, Lily Bart, the protagonist in House of Mirth, is a much more grown woman compared to Charlotte, who is single, and in the look out for her 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. Lily's mother, alongside the many voices in society, made her believe that she needed to be rich and of the upper class to be viewed with utmost respect. To do this, she needed 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 went against every moral and principal that her parents had taught her when she eloped with Montraville. Hence, in the eyes of society, she became a strong symbol of disgrace and shame, and was belittled by society for her bad decisions, as is emphasized by the narrator: 

"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 did exactly as her mother had taught her. She objectified herself, as did society, and used herself as a tool of beauty that is solely meant to attract men. Yet society reduced her value to her appearance only.
 

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