Lily considers the social precepts she must follow burdensome. She wonders why a female can “never do a natural thing without having to screen it behind a structure of artifice.” She acknowledges to herself that she has placed herself in Rosedale’s power by lying about her visit to the Benedick, a power she feels he may use against her in the future.
Society’s low regard for Jews displayed in the first chapter is elaborated upon in the second chapter. Wharton writes that Rosedale “had his race’s accuracy in the appraisal of values” and continues that he believes being seen in public with Lily will enhance his social standing, as many might interpret her company as an indicator that he, too, is invited to the Trenors’ house party. In addition, Wharton characterizes Rosedale as an opportunist who knows how to use his acquaintances to his financial advantage. Lily views the combined “artistic sensibility and business astuteness” traits of Rosedale as stereotypical traits of the Jewish race.
If Rosedale is an opportunist, Gryce is portrayed as a bore whose only defining characteristic—his book collection of Americana—is passed down to him from a wealthy uncle. This characteristic causes Lily to recognize Gryce as an individual lacking self-confidence.
