Lily’s Deconstruction
...ering alternatives for behaving in society. Lily’s deconstruction of the feminine gender role of society is eminent during her stay at Bellomont. For instance, Lily fails to fulfill the feminine gender role of society when she does not attend church on Sunday. Lily’s absence is seen as an irregularity since it is believed that most people of New York’s society attend church. Edith Wharton states, “It is true that the Bellomont puppets did not go to church, but others equally important did” (53). This passage illustrates that it is of proper etiquette for a person of New York’s society to attend church on Sunday. This holds true especially for women like Lily since it is they who seek to attract the attention of wealthy bachelors by behaving properly. Lily’s absence demonstrates her independence and free-will. Moreover, it demonstrates her deconstruction of the feminine gender role of society. Lily’s absence is significant in that enlightens female readers of the time by encouraging them to defy the feminine gender role of society. Also, it enlightens them of other alternatives for behaving in society. Lily’s failure to fulfill the feminine gender role of society is also eminent during the hours after church on Sunday. For instance, Lily breaks her promise to go on a walk with Percy Gryce, a wealthy bachelor who she has interests in marrying, in order to go on a walk with Seldon, Lily’s male companion. Lily deconstructs the feminine gender role of society by walking alone with Seldon while attempting to marry Percy; for doing so was seen as a violation of society’s social code for women. Lily’s deconstruction of the feminine gender role of society is significant in that it allows her to experience freedom from society’s restrictions upon women. It allows her to experience independence. Furthermore, Lily’s infringement of the feminine gender role of society giv...