Who Gerty Farish is
Gerty Farish lives on little and gives her time to charity work. Her warmth and modest habits offer a contrast to the wealthy society around Lily Bart. Where Lily longs for luxury, Gerty shows what a useful life with less money can look like.
Gerty Farish and the others in the story
Gerty is Selden's cousin, and she loves him in her own quiet way. She describes him to Lily as a good man who spends time with her and her charities. Her affection for Lily exists alongside a pang of jealousy over Selden.
Lily admires Gerty's modest, useful life from a distance without quite choosing it. Gerty offers another possibility for Lily, whose upbringing has taught her to seek security through marriage. Their connection brings affection into a story where friendships often depend on usefulness.
Questions
Who is Gerty Farish?
Gerty Farish is a warm, charitable woman who lives modestly and is Lawrence Selden's cousin.
How does Gerty Farish feel about Lily Bart?
Gerty loves Lily, though her feelings for Selden also cause her some jealousy.
Why does Gerty Farish matter in the novel?
Gerty represents a modest life devoted to useful work rather than luxury. Lily admires that possibility but does not quite embrace it.
