What societal issue is highlighted in The House of Mirth?

The correct answer emphasizes the challenges of maintaining social status, which is a central theme in "The House of Mirth" by Edith Wharton. The novel vividly explores the life of Lily Bart, a young woman navigating the complex social hierarchies of New York City's upper class in the early 20th century. Through her experiences, Wharton illustrates how individuals, especially women, are often trapped by the rigid demands and expectations of society regarding wealth and status.

Lily's attempts to secure her social standing reveal the precarious nature of her existence; her identity and worth are heavily tied to her ability to maintain her position within an unforgiving social system. The novel exposes the often brutal realities of this societal pressure, showcasing how it can lead to personal despair and the inability to forge genuine relationships. The struggles Lily faces in her pursuit of acceptance reflect broader societal dynamics around class and prestige, ultimately illustrating the pitfalls of a life dictated by the need for social validation.

Other themes such as women's independence, while relevant to the narrative, serve more as a subtext to the larger issue of social status. The other options, though significant in their own contexts, do not encapsulate the primary focus of the novel as effectively as the challenges of maintaining social status do