House of Mirth (Version 2)

Published in 1905, 'House of Mirth' by Edith Wharton explores the life of Lily Bart, a socialite navigating the complexities of New York's high society. As an aging spinster, Lily faces societal pressures to marry for wealth rather than love, highlighting the constraints placed on women in the Victorian era. The novel critiques the moral and social values of the time, making it a significant work in American literature and a precursor to modern feminist themes.