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Edith Wharton
The Age of Innocence
Series: Romantic classic books
Newland Archer, gentleman lawyer and heir of one of New York City's most illustrious families, happily anticipates his highly desirable marriage to the sheltered and beautiful May Welland. Yet he finds reason to doubt his choice of bride after the appearance of Countess Ellen Olenska, May's exotic and beautiful cousin. Immerse yourself in Edith Wharton’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Age of Innocence, a masterful exploration of love, societal expectations, and personal sacrifice in Gilded Age New York.
A timeless exploration of love and society in Gilded Age New York.The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
Introduction
Published in 1920, Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence is a literary masterpiece
that earned the distinction of being the first novel by a woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
Set in the opulent yet restrictive society of 1870s New York, the novel examines the conflicts between
individual desires and societal expectations.
Plot Summary
The story follows Newland Archer, a young lawyer engaged to the innocent and conventional May Welland.
When May’s cousin, the beautiful and unconventional Countess Ellen Olenska, returns to New York after
a failed marriage in Europe, Archer finds himself torn between the two women. The novel delves into
themes of love, duty, and the stifling constraints of upper-class society.
Themes and Significance
Wharton masterfully critiques the rigid social codes of the Gilded Age, exploring themes such as
the cost of personal freedom, the role of women in society, and the tension between tradition and
progress. The novel’s nuanced portrayal of its characters and its richly detailed setting make it
a timeless study of human emotions and societal pressures.
Legacy
Over a century after its publication, The Age of Innocence continues to captivate readers
with its eloquent prose and sharp social commentary. The novel has inspired numerous adaptations,
including Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed 1993 film, which brought Wharton’s vivid depiction of
19th-century New York to life.
Why Read This Classic?
Whether you are a fan of historical fiction, intricate character studies, or thought-provoking
social critiques, The Age of Innocence offers something for every reader. Its themes of
love, sacrifice, and societal change remain as relevant today as they were a century ago.