Edith Wharton: 'Misfortune had made Lily supple instead of hardening her, and a pliable substance is less easy to break than a stiff one.'

Misfortune had made Lily supple instead of hardening her, and a pliable substance is less easy to break than a stiff one.

In Edith Wharton's quote, "Misfortune had made Lily supple instead of hardening her, and a pliable substance is less easy to break than a stiff one," the author highlights the strength and resilience that can arise from hardships in life. Instead of succumbing to the weight of misfortune, Lily becomes adaptable and flexible, which ultimately proves to be her saving grace. This quote encapsulates the idea that the ability to bend and adapt is often more advantageous than remaining rigid and inflexible.At its core, this quote emphasizes the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. Lily, the central character in Wharton's novel, shows us that by remaining pliable and open to change, she is better equipped to navigate the challenges thrown her way. Instead of becoming hardened by her misfortunes, Lily's ability to adapt allows her to bend and flex with the circumstances, ultimately protecting her from being broken.One could argue that misfortune, in a way, serves as a crucible that strengthens and shapes individuals, forcing them to confront their vulnerabilities and build resilience in response. When we think of a "stiff substance" that is resistant to bending, we can visualize a rigid structure that is brittle and prone to breaking under pressure. On the other hand, a pliable substance, like Lily, is capable of withstanding external forces by yielding to them, rather than resisting and potentially shattering.This concept carries with it a larger philosophical notion – the philosophy of stoicism. Stoicism, an ancient school of thought, suggests that one should accept and adapt to the inevitable challenges that life presents. It proposes that by embracing our capacity to adapt and let go, we become more malleable and less susceptible to the destructive consequences of adversity. Wharton's quote, therefore, aligns with this stoic philosophy by illustrating the strength that can be derived from being supple rather than rigid, both physically and metaphorically.Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that this interpretation does not undermine the difficulties and pain that misfortune can bring. It does not belittle the emotions or dismiss the struggles that individuals in tough circumstances face. Instead, it serves as a reminder that resilience, adaptability, and openness to change can be powerful tools in redefining one's path and overcoming adversity.In summary, Edith Wharton's quote about Lily's resilience in the face of misfortune showcases the strength that can arise from being pliable rather than rigid. It encourages us to embrace flexibility and adaptability when confronting life's challenges. By transforming hardships into opportunities for growth, we can become less susceptible to being broken by the trials that come our way. Through the lens of stoicism, this quote highlights an important lesson – the ability to bend and adapt can be our greatest armor in the face of adversity.