Something New [Boarding Houses in New York]

Something New [Boarding Houses in New York]

Greenville Mountaineer

1845-06-06

*The article was written much earlier than the novel, however the ideas depicted in the article are directly relatable to the novel. This is because the article comments on concerns about cost of living, which is also found in the novel. In addition, the idea presented by the article that more individuals might choose to live in boarding houses supports the large movement of characters from previous dwellings to boarding houses in the novel. The article is interesting because it is a look at the beginning of the movement of women living independently in boarding houses.

The boarding houses where Gerty Farish and Nettie Crane live are viewed as quaint and welcoming. Gerty Farish lives in a boarding house that is more expensive that Nettie Crane’s, however the article, “Something New,” is relatable to both homes. The article describes a group of families that agree to rent a boarding house together because the cost would be cheaper than for all of them to live in different houses. In addition, the article comments on the fact that living in a boarding house gives the tenant access to servants, fuel, and other amenities at a lower cost. Gerty Farish’s boarding house is directly represented in the article, “Gerty’s little sitting-room sparkled with welcome when Selden entered it. Its modest ‘effects,’ compact of enamel paint and ingenuity, spoke to him in the language just then sweetest to his ear” (Wharton 125). The welcoming feeling of the boarding house is also represented in Nettie Crane’s house. Both locations are warm and welcoming. In addition, the article goes on to state that more individuals may decide to live in boarding houses as time goes on. This idea is important because it supports the presence of many characters living in boarding houses in The House of Mirth. The article was written much earlier than the novel, however the ideas depicted in the article are directly relatable to the novel. This is because the article comments on concerns about cost of living, which is also found in the novel. In addition, the idea presented by the article that more individuals might choose to live in boarding houses supports the large movement of characters from previous dwellings to boarding houses in the novel. The article provides an interesting view of boarding houses as cost conscious, welcoming homes.

Kirsten Van Nortwick

"Something New." Greenville Mountaineer [Greenville, South Carolina] 6 June 1845: n.p. Nineteenth Century U.S. Newspapers. Web. 6 Apr. 2015.

Original document is out of copyright (it was published before 1923). Every effort has been made to comply with the provisions of any licensing agreements associated with digitization of the original document. For further information, please see the “about” page.

Document