Youthful Transgressions

The theme of youthful transgressions dominates the first half of the novel, when Vivian first moves to New York City after having failed out of her first year of college at Vassar. Once she begins spending time with the showgirls at the Lily, Vivian becomes a fun-loving young woman who is always on the lookout for the next party in town. Every night after performances, she and Celia go out to meet men, drink, and smoke cigarettes late into the night and early morning. Vivian adores this lifestyle and feels as though she fits in well with the showgirls and the indulgent lives they lead.

These actions of Vivian's, however, are relayed to the reader through a much older and wiser Vivian Morris. As such, it becomes clear throughout the novel that the showgirl lifestyle Vivian has chosen is one that is potentially harmful to...