Bertha and the Bart: The Break

The break between Lily and the Dorset's during their European voyage is a major turning point in the plot of the story. Up until now, Lily has remained with her friends in the upper class, able to "stay afloat" without spending all of her money.  Even as disagreements have arisen between he and some of her friends, she has managed to keep a high status as her public reputation had yet to sink too low.  However, I believe that from this point, Miss Bart will have trouble maintaining her status.  Her relationship with Mr. Dorset had already been a reason for others to talk about her behind her back.  This turn of events will only intensify the talk and make for more harsh rumors.  In addition, she no longer has her friendship with the Dorsets to support her status.  Her association with their wealth had kept her in the public eye before, but now that she won't be with them ever, things could change and she could lose any "popularity" she was still hanging onto.  And lastly, now that Mrs. Dorset's dislike for her has been made so obvious in public, it is doubtful that she will keep her disdain a secret in private.  The combination of her loathing and high status could lead to many high-status figures turning away from Lily.  I think many of her friends will leave her in the near future, and she could be left not knowing what to do with her life.