After that ending I need to go back and re read the entire book.
Every character meant something and represented something in this novel.
I must admit I got quite bored of it in the middle section or middle to end but chapter 13 of part II might have beeen the best piece of literature I have every read.
Wharton is a versatile writer in symbolism and what she wants the reader to take from each of her novel. Lily Bart represented youth, innocence and femininity. She appeared like a superficial character but deep down she was struggling against her fate throughout the whole novel.