Mr. Selden vs Miss Bart

Chapter 6 of The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton makes clear the similarities and differences between Selden and Lily.  They have many similarities.  They both have the same sense of sarcastic humor.  They also are both highly intelligent people who enjoy being the presence of similar people.  They both have low income, and additionally, they both have some sort of interest in each other.  Despite these similarities, Selden is still a foil character for Lily.  This is because his values are strongly contrasting with hers.  This is particularly evident in a certain exchange they have during their walk.  Wharton wrote: " 'What is success?'... She hesitated.  'Why, to get as much as one can out of life, I suppose.'...  'My idea of success,' he said, 'is personal freedom.' "  Selden elaborates to explain how people use up their talents and individuality in the pursuit of wealth.  He believes that life is best spent trying to get away from the stress of money, poverty, anxiety, and all material things.  His beliefs challenge Lily's determination to live a luxurious and rich lifestyle.  Again, it becomes obvious that if she could move past these desires, she could live a happy life with Selden as her husband.  Their similarities in personality are there, but there differences in values keep their relationship from becoming overly emotional.