Part one of term paper
Henry James's The Portrait of a Lady and Edith Wharton's The House of Mirth examine the societal constraints of their female protagonists, and the limited possibilities open to them in the midst of wealthy society. Isabel Archer and Lily Bart are victims of a rigid society in which the independent lifestyle they desire is only acceptable for ...

Part two of term paper
... them is that Lily has no personal wealth, while Isabel becomes a very wealthy woman, which opens many new opportunities for her. Lily has fewer possibilities open to her due to her meager income and her insatiable need for excessive luxury, which would need to be sacrificed in order to maintain an independent lifestyle, while Isabel's wealth give her the option of a lifestyle that is simultaneously independent and luxurious. Lily and Isabel are both extremely attractive and charming, which cause t ...