The House of Mirth
The central theme of "The House of Mirth" is essentially "the struggle between who we are and what society tells us we should be". Thus, it is considered by many to be as relevant today as it was in 1905. If its sole subject had been the excesses and lives of the rich and famous, by themselves, it is doubtful it would have remained popular for as long as it has. "The House of Mirth" continues to attract readers over a century after its first publication, possibly due to its timeless theme. That the life and death of Lily Bart matters to modern readers suggests that Wharton succeeded in her purpose: to critique "a society so relentlessly materialistic and self-serving that it casually destroys what is most beautiful and blameless within it."
Diane O'Connor
In December 2017, Diane is shocked when she finds out that Lily is still self harming. Lily later collapses from Sepsis and is rushed to hospital. Diane comforts Lily in hospital and Lily explains why she is still self harming and Diane promises to help her through it and Lily finally agrees to stop. Diane is annoyed when Tony becomes distant and at the "come as you were party" Tony tells Diane that Harry killed Amy Barnes (Ashley Slanina-Davies), leaving Diane shocked. Diane struggles with this secret and reveals to Amy's husband Ryan Knight (Duncan James) that Harry killed Amy unaware that Ryan is the real killer. Ryan manipulates Diane into telling the police but James blackmails him into letting Harry off. Diane is angry when Tony wants Harry to move back in and gives him an ultimatum, either he goes to the police or she leaves. Diane goes to stay with her sister and Tony offers to take her unaware that he is smuggling Harry out of the village. While driving through a tunnel, Diane makes Tony stop after hearing noises in the boot. She opens it and finds Harry inside. A furious Diane decides to call the police but she steps onto the road and is hit by a car driven by Misbah and is thrown into the air. An emotional Diane allows Harry to run. Diane recovers but Harry is arrested by the police.