Age of Innocence Analysis Review

As AP Exams fast approach, I find it helpful to review the works that I remember least, one of which is Age of Innocence. What I remember as being the most striking aspect of the novel is the level of intricacy with which Wharton is able to represent 19^th century New York and its societal norms and expectations. The first clear aspect represented is the fear for one’s reputation. Despite the failure of her marriage, and her escape to the United States, Ellen’s family is reluctant to let her follow through with a divorce because it would draw attention and cause a “scandal” if her husband decides to fight the divorce. The strength and depth of societal standards become apparent when Archer cannot honestly speak his mind to Ellen because her divorce could potentially cause Archer his job. The relationship between Archer and Ellen quickly become the center of the plot. The scene that struck Archer in the theater (kissing of the ribbon) is representative of his relationship with Ellen. The woman not realizing them man kissed her ribbon represents Archer’s inability to fully reach Ellen with his emotions. Meanwhile, Archer is pleasantly surprised when May implies that she is aware of his affection for another woman because it reminds him of Ellen’s fiery nature, but is quickly disappointed to find out that May simply did so out of societal norms that dictate that a man’s happiness comes before a woman’s. Archer’s relationship with Ellen makes a drastic change when he openly announces his love for her. This declaration contrasts the previously subtle, implied, and hidden expressions of emotion in the novel. The remainder of the novel primarily deals with the crucial conflict of the individual versus the many. Archer realizes that he has been left out of his family’s conversations regarding Ellen, due to his feelings for her. This exclusion illustrates how easily (and quickly) one can be excluded from the group for having a different opinion. In this case, Archer represents the individual while society (and its standards) represents the many. The same conflict is found in Ellen’s exclusion from the family and its social interactions. Gender roles are also ever-present in the last few chapters of the novel. For instance, it is clear that the Mingott family controls Ellen’s financial situation. Because of her upper-class status, it is viewed as wrong for Ellen to make her own living; she is entirely dependent on the Mingotts. Ellen is given a large trust fund by Mrs. Mingott; portraying her as a child receiving an allowance. May’s decision to let archer go to Washington D.C. despite her knowledge of his affair is the second clear display of gender roles. Like Mrs. Beaufort, May does not question social norms and embraces that her role is simply to care for the home and children.