The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. (1920). Summary of the book.

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The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton (1920)

Summary of the Book

The Age of Innocence is a novel written by Pulitzer-prize winning author Edith Wharton. It was published in 1920 and is set in New York City in the late 19th century. The novel follows the story of Newland Archer, a wealthy and well-connected lawyer, as he navigates the city’s elite social circles and its strict social codes. He is engaged to May Welland, a woman he has known since childhood, but his plans for the future are complicated when he meets Countess Ellen Olenska, May’s cousin who has recently returned to New York after being away for many years. The novel explores the themes of tradition, social expectations, and the consequences of breaking the rules.

Main Points

The novel is set in the high society circles of New York City in the late 19th century and follows the story of Newland Archer, a wealthy and well-connected lawyer, as he navigates the city’s elite social circles and its strict social codes. He is engaged to May Welland, a woman he has known since childhood, but his plans for the future are complicated when he meets Countess Ellen Olenska, May’s cousin who has recently returned to New York after being away for many years. The novel shows the conflict between the tradition of duty and responsibility to one’s family and society, and the desire for freedom and love. Newland must choose between his duty to his family and society and his newfound love for Ellen. In the end, he chooses to stay with his family and his fiancée, despite the fact that it is a decision he will later come to regret. Throughout the novel, Wharton explores the consequences of breaking the rules of society and the prices that must be paid when one does so.

Interesting Facts

  • The novel was an immediate success: The Age of Innocence was published in 1920 and was an immediate success, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921.
  • It was adapted into a movie: The novel was adapted into an Oscar-winning movie in 1993, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder.
  • It was inspired by Wharton’s own life: The novel was inspired by Wharton’s own life and the society she grew up in. Wharton had a deep understanding of the complex social dynamics of the Gilded Age, which she explores in The Age of Innocence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who wrote The Age of Innocence?

A: The Age of Innocence was written by Pulitzer-prize winning author Edith Wharton.

Q: When was The Age of Innocence published?

A: The Age of Innocence was published in 1920.

Q: What is The Age of Innocence about?

A: The Age of Innocence follows the story of Newland Archer, a wealthy and well-connected lawyer, as he navigates the city’s elite social circles and its strict social codes. He is engaged to May Welland, a woman he has known since childhood, but his plans for the future are complicated when he meets Countess Ellen Olenska, May’s cousin who has recently returned to New York after being away for many years. The novel explores the themes of tradition, social expectations, and the consequences of breaking the rules.

Q: Was The Age of Innocence adapted into a movie?

A: Yes, The Age of Innocence was adapted into an Oscar-winning movie in 1993, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder.

Q: What was the inspiration behind The Age of Innocence?

A: The novel was inspired by Wharton’s own life and the society she grew up in. Wharton had a deep understanding of the complex social dynamics of the Gilded Age, which she explores in The Age of Innocence.

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