The House of Mirth

I thought it was interesting that she takes part of the title of her book from Ecclesiastes which is more or less dedicated to Solomon. He broke 3 of the rules of kings mapped out in Deuteronomy. He sins by multiplying his gold and his horses and chariots. He also idolizes other Gods. In response to this, God announces that he shall tear Solomon's kingdom in half. I found this interesting as a part of foreshadowing by showing that Lily wants to have more money and more material things and she well idolizes the social status she is trying so hard to stay in with. I think that may well be the reason Wharton decided against titling her book "A Moment's Ornament" or "The Year of the Rose." I think she did this because of the heavy symbolism and meaning behind the house of mirth, it leads to a fuller understanding of the follies of the mannerisms of the main characters.