Mattie Gormer Character Analysis in The House of Mirth

Mattie Gormer belongs to a social circle below Wellington and Louisa Bry’s, and initially seems more interested in throwing exciting, relaxed parties than in social climbing, but she ultimately proves just as vulnerable as other members of society to ambition and manipulation. Despite her apparent affection for Lily Bart, Mattie does not hesitate to reject Lily after becoming friends with Bertha Dorset, proving just as unreliable and unfaithful as members of high society.

Mattie Gormer Character Timeline in The House of Mirth

The timeline below shows where the character Mattie Gormer appears in The House of Mirth. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...saw her at the restaurant. Without preamble, she offers to take Lily to Sam and Mattie Gormer ’s party, adding that, while the Gormers do not know Lily personally, they are only... (full context)

At Sam and Mattie Gormer ’s party, Lily realizes that this social sphere is an imitation of her own, though... (full context)

...as Carry drives Lily back to New York, she tells Lily to accompany Sam and Mattie Gormer on their trip to Alaska next month, since Carry will be busy with Wellington Bry... (full context)

Lily goes to Alaska with Sam and Mattie Gormer , which succeeds in removing her from public scrutiny and criticism. However, Gerty Farish disapproves... (full context)

...Rosedale, who still demonstrates his affection toward Lily when he spends time with Sam and Mattie Gormer . Despite Lily’s rejection of these ideas, she keeps on thinking about them, because she... (full context)

In the fall, Lily helps Mrs. Gormer examine the house she and Mr. Gormer are building on Long Island. One day, as... (full context)

Back at Sam and Mattie Gormer ’s, Lily learns that Bertha Dorset has just visited Mrs. Gormer, and Lily feels that... (full context)

...and Louisa Bry more socially connected, but she also tells Lily that she has seen Mattie Gormer and Bertha Dorset together, and both Carry and Lily understand that Bertha’s objective is to... (full context)

As winter approaches, Lily accompanies Mattie Gormer to the Horse Show but feels that Mattie is gradually erasing her from her life... (full context)