Perhaps I might have resisted a great temptation, but the little ones would have pulled me down

Perhaps I might have resisted a great temptation, but the little ones would have pulled me down

In the context of Edith Wharton's works, the quote "Perhaps I might have resisted a great temptation, but the little ones would have pulled me down" speaks to the recurring theme of societal expectations and the constraints they place on individuals, particularly women, in her novels. Wharton's characters often find themselves torn between their own desires and the expectations of society, leading to internal conflict and moral dilemmas.

One of the most famous examples of this theme can be found in Wharton's novel "The Age of Innocence." The protagonist, Newland Archer, is faced with the temptation of pursuing a relationship with the unconventional and free-spirited Countess Olenska, despite being engaged to the more traditional and socially acceptable May Welland. Newland struggles with his feelings for the Countess, torn between his desire for passion and his duty to conform to the expectations of his social class. In the end, he ultimately chooses to uphold the societal norms and marry May, sacrificing his own happiness for the sake of preserving his reputation and social standing.

Similarly, in "The House of Mirth," the protagonist Lily Bart is constantly battling against the constraints of high society and the expectations placed upon her as a woman. Lily is tempted by the allure of wealth and social status, but finds herself unable to break free from the confines of her social circle. She is ultimately brought down by the "little ones" – the petty gossip, jealousy, and judgment of those around her – which prevent her from pursuing her own desires and lead to her tragic downfall.

Through her exploration of these themes, Edith Wharton sheds light on the ways in which societal expectations can act as a powerful force, pulling individuals away from their true selves and leading them to make choices that are ultimately detrimental to their own happiness. The quote "Perhaps I might have resisted a great temptation, but the little ones would have pulled me down" encapsulates this struggle, highlighting the internal conflict and external pressures that her characters face in their quest for personal fulfillment and autonomy.