Who Lawrence Selden is
Lawrence Selden lives in a small New York flat, with books and little apparent need for other people's approval. When he meets Lily Bart at Grand Central Station, he invites her to his rooms for tea. His calm surroundings offer a contrast to her life of expensive visits and constant attention to appearances.
What Lawrence Selden wants
Selden values a private freedom of mind rather than success in society's contests for money and position. He sees the bargains behind fashionable life and prefers to watch from a comfortable distance. Yet his independence rests partly on a security that Lily, without money of her own, does not share.
Lawrence Selden and the others in the story
Selden admires Lily and offers her a glimpse of a quieter life outside the marriage market. She wants his good opinion, but she cannot imagine living on what he earns.
Questions
Who is Lawrence Selden?
Lawrence Selden is a lawyer who knows and admires Lily Bart, while standing apart from fashionable society.
Does Lawrence Selden love Lily Bart?
Selden has growing feelings for Lily, but he hesitates to act on them. His admiration is complicated by his tendency to judge her.
How is Lawrence Selden related to Gerty Farish?
Selden is Gerty Farish's cousin. He spends time with her and her charities.
