EPISODE · Oct 30, 2025 · 12 MIN
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
from BookOdyssey · host Book Odyssey - Admin
These excerpts provide an overview and key scenes from Edith Wharton's novel, The Age of Innocence, focusing on the rigid social world of 1870s New York. The introduction frames the narrative as an exploration of the conflict between societal demands and personal freedom, highlighting the disappointed expectations of the protagonists, Ellen Olenska and Newland Archer. Several passages detail the intense scrutiny and gossip surrounding Countess Olenska after her return to New York society, particularly focusing on her unconventional behavior, such as seeking a divorce and associating with disreputable figures like Julius Beaufort. Ultimately, the text illustrates the immense pressure placed upon Archer to maintain "decency above courage" by marrying May Welland and adhering to the family code, despite his profound emotional connection to Ellen.
What this episode covers
These excerpts provide an overview and key scenes from Edith Wharton's novel, The Age of Innocence, focusing on the rigid social world of 1870s New York. The introduction frames the narrative as an exploration of the conflict between societal demands and personal freedom, highlighting the disappointed expectations of the protagonists, Ellen Olenska and Newland Archer. Several passages detail the intense scrutiny and gossip surrounding Countess Olenska after her return to New York society, particularly focusing on her unconventional behavior, such as seeking a divorce and associating with disreputable figures like Julius Beaufort. Ultimately, the text illustrates the immense pressure placed upon Archer to maintain "decency above courage" by marrying May Welland and adhering to the family code, despite his profound emotional connection to Ellen.
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The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
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