The House of Mirth is a novel by Edith Wharton, first published in 1905. It tells the story of Lily Bart, a beautiful and intelligent young woman from a wealthy family who is struggling to find her place in New York City's high society.
Lily is a socialite, but she is not content with her life. She is constantly trying to find a way to secure her financial future, but her attempts to marry a wealthy man are constantly thwarted by her own moral code. She is also torn between her desire for financial security and her desire for true love.
Lily's situation is complicated by her relationships with two men: Lawrence Selden, a lawyer who is in love with her, and Gus Trenor, a wealthy businessman who is interested in her. Lily is attracted to both men, but she is unable to make a decision between them.
Meanwhile, Lily's financial situation is becoming increasingly precarious. She is unable to pay her bills and is forced to borrow money from her friends. She is also being blackmailed by Bertha Dorset, a wealthy socialite who is jealous of Lily's beauty and popularity.
Lily's situation becomes even more complicated when she is invited to a house party at the home of Judy Trenor, Gus's wife. At the party, Lily is accused of stealing a valuable necklace and is publicly humiliated. She is also confronted by Lawrence, who is angry that she has been leading him on.
In the end, Lily is unable to find a way out of her financial and social troubles. She is forced to take a job as a governess, but she is unable to find happiness in her new life. Eventually, she takes her own life, unable to bear the weight of her troubles any longer.
The House of Mirth is a powerful story of a woman's struggle to find her place in a society that is hostile to her. It is a story of love, loss, and the consequences of making the wrong choices. It is a timeless classic that is still relevant today.