Compare and contrast the novel’s characterizations of Lily Bart and Gerty Farish. Analyze the basis of their friendship and how it changes over time. Use examples from the text to support your analysis.

How does the novel argue that Selden was shaped by his environment? Analyze how Selden’s background affects his perceptions of Lily Bart. Choose three passages to examine Selden’s impressions of Lily.

Compare and contrast the appreciation of Lily Bart felt by the unmarried men Selden and Rosedale. What does each man hope to gain by relating to her? How do Selden and Rosedale each try to rescue her?