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."
Flanders' Ladder
Elkins then informs Bart that he has a gift for seeing and communicating with the dead, and requests his help with revenge against a rival doctor. Bart responds by tricking the rival into playing "The Scary Maze Game", causing a heart attack, allowing Elkins move on to the afterlife. More ghosts of the show's deceased characters appear asking Bart for help, which he does. Lisa, though, continues to give him nightmares until Hibbert advises her to stop, as this could give him permanent brain damage.