The House of Mirth — Questions and answers

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In The House of Mirth, what is Lily Bart's age when she meets Lawrence Selden at Grand Central Station?

Choices

  1. She is twenty-two years old.
  2. She is twenty-five years old.
  3. She is thirty-five years old.
  4. She is twenty-nine years old. ✓

Answer: She is twenty-nine years old.

From page 1

At Bellomont, what activity does Lily Bart engage in that causes her financial losses?

Choices

  1. She plays bridge for money. ✓
  2. She buys expensive clothing.
  3. She lends money to other guests.
  4. She invests in risky ventures.

Answer: She plays bridge for money.

From page 2

At Bellomont, why does Lily Bart miss her opportunity with Percy Gryce?

Choices

  1. She spends the morning with Judy Trenor.
  2. She goes for a walk with Lawrence Selden instead of attending church. ✓
  3. She decides to leave Bellomont early.
  4. She argues with Percy Gryce before church.

Answer: She goes for a walk with Lawrence Selden instead of attending church.

From page 3

On Bertha Dorset's yacht, the Sabrina, what accusation does Bertha make against Lily Bart?

Choices

  1. Bertha claims Lily has been spreading rumors about her.
  2. Bertha claims Lily has been stealing from her.
  3. Bertha claims Lily has been pursuing George Dorset. ✓
  4. Bertha claims Lily has been gambling excessively.

Answer: Bertha claims Lily has been pursuing George Dorset.

From page 4

After the yacht incident, how does Mrs. Peniston change her will regarding Lily Bart?

Choices

  1. She disinherits Lily completely from her will.
  2. She leaves Lily her house but no money.
  3. She leaves Lily a larger sum to help her reputation.
  4. She leaves Lily only a small sum instead of a comfortable fortune. ✓

Answer: She leaves Lily only a small sum instead of a comfortable fortune.

From page 5

What does Lily Bart discover about the money Gus Trenor has been giving her?

Choices

  1. It was his own money, given with the expectation of a return. ✓
  2. It was a loan from Judy Trenor.
  3. It was an anonymous gift from a secret admirer.
  4. It was profits from successful stock-market investments.

Answer: It was his own money, given with the expectation of a return.

From page 6

What kind of work does Lily Bart take on with Mrs. Hatch?

Choices

  1. She becomes Mrs. Hatch's financial advisor.
  2. She becomes Mrs. Hatch's personal assistant.
  3. She becomes Mrs. Hatch's companion. ✓
  4. She becomes Mrs. Hatch's social secretary.

Answer: She becomes Mrs. Hatch's companion.

From page 7

After leaving Mrs. Hatch, where does Lily Bart find employment?

Choices

  1. She works at a milliner's shop trimming hats. ✓
  2. She works as a governess for a wealthy family.
  3. She works as a seamstress for a fashion designer.
  4. She works as a shop assistant in a department store.

Answer: She works at a milliner's shop trimming hats.

From page 8

What does Lily Bart refuse to do with the letters she possesses that could have ruined Bertha Dorset?

Choices

  1. She refuses to sell them for money.
  2. She refuses to destroy them immediately.
  3. She refuses to show them to Lawrence Selden.
  4. She refuses to use them to save her own reputation. ✓

Answer: She refuses to use them to save her own reputation.

From page 9

What does Lily Bart do with the chloral drops on the night she dies?

Choices

  1. She gives them to a friend who is also sleepless.
  2. She uses them to calm her nerves before a trip.
  3. She measures out a dose and does not wake up. ✓
  4. She throws them away, deciding not to use them.

Answer: She measures out a dose and does not wake up.

From page 10