"The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton (1920): A Review

Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence (1920) is a masterful exploration of the social constraints, moral dilemmas, and the changing cultural dynamics of the Gilded Age in New York City during the 1870s and 1880s. Known for her acute insight into the inner workings of society and her deft character development, Wharton paints a poignant portrait of a world governed by rigid conventions and personal sacrifices. This novel, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921, is as much a study of a bygone era as it is a profound commentary on love, duty, and societal expectations.

Plot Summary

The story of The Age of Innocence centers on Newland Archer, a young, successful lawyer at the height of his career in New York society, who is engaged to May Welland, the epitome of conventional beauty and innocence. At first glance, Newland’s life seems perfect: a promising future with the perfect bride, May, a woman who fits all of society’s expectations for a wife. However, Newland's life takes a dramatic turn when he meets May’s cousin, Ellen Olenska, a bold and unconventional woman who has returned to New York after a troubled marriage to a Polish count.

Ellen’s arrival disrupts the tightly-knit social fabric of New York’s upper class, as she represents everything that is foreign and unconventional to the moral fabric of society. Despite being a social pariah, Ellen’s emotional and intellectual depth attract Newland, and he finds himself torn between the predictable, socially acceptable life with May and the passionate, free-spirited love he feels for Ellen. The novel explores Newland’s inner conflict as he grapples with societal duty, personal desire, and the constraints of an era that values reputation and decorum above personal happiness.

Themes and Analysis

At its core, The Age of Innocence is a novel about societal expectation and the individual’s struggle for personal fulfillment. Wharton deftly explores the pressures of high society, where social standing and appearances are paramount. Through Newland Archer’s character, Wharton examines the tension between personal desire and public duty, which is a pervasive theme throughout the book. Newland’s love for Ellen symbolizes a yearning for freedom and a break from societal conventions, but he is continually held back by the stifling constraints of his social position.

The theme of love and marriage is another central element of the novel. May, while outwardly perfect, represents the idealized role of women in society—devoted, obedient, and concerned with maintaining social harmony. Ellen, on the other hand, challenges these ideals and represents a more complex form of love and independence, though she is also constrained by her past and the judgment of society. The contrast between May and Ellen highlights the different roles available to women at the time, with May embodying the conventional ideal and Ellen standing as a symbol of emotional complexity and defiance.

The title itself, The Age of Innocence, speaks to the era's emphasis on appearances, propriety, and innocence, which is shown to be a veneer that conceals the deeper emotional turmoil and complexity of human relationships. Wharton critiques the society’s notion of “innocence” by exposing the hypocrisy and repression that underlie the characters' interactions. Through her portrayal of Newland’s inner conflict and the choices he makes, Wharton delves into the theme of regret—how choosing the path of social convention often leads to the loss of personal happiness and the stifling of individual potential.

Literary Style

Wharton’s prose in The Age of Innocence is elegant, refined, and rich with detail, providing a vivid portrayal of Gilded Age New York. She uses the social settings—balls, dinners, and garden parties—as symbolic backdrops to showcase the characters’ internal struggles and the rigid expectations that define their actions. Wharton’s use of symbolism is subtle but effective; for instance, Newland’s moments of escape or contemplation, often set in nature, contrast with the suffocating world of societal expectation.

Her narrative style is also noteworthy for its psychological depth. Wharton’s ability to enter the minds of her characters and explore their inner lives, particularly Newland’s, elevates the novel beyond a simple social commentary. The reader feels Newland’s internal turmoil as he vacillates between his desires and the obligations imposed by society. Wharton also employs irony masterfully, often using it to highlight the discrepancy between characters’ actions and their true feelings, further critiquing the disconnect between outward appearances and inner realities.

Reception and Legacy

When The Age of Innocence was first published, it was met with critical acclaim for its sophisticated portrayal of New York high society and the moral conflicts faced by its characters. Wharton’s ability to expose the subtle but powerful pressures of societal expectations resonated with readers, and the novel became one of her most celebrated works. It not only won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, making Wharton the first woman to win the prestigious award, but it also cemented her reputation as one of the leading American writers of her time.

The novel’s legacy continues to endure, particularly in its exploration of class, societal norms, and the emotional complexities of human relationships. The Age of Innocence has been adapted into film several times, with the most notable adaptation directed by Martin Scorsese in 1993, which brought the novel’s themes to a wider audience and showcased the timelessness of Wharton’s critique of society.

Conclusion

The Age of Innocence is a brilliant and insightful exploration of social conventions, personal desires, and the often painful cost of maintaining appearances. Through the characters of Newland Archer, May Welland, and Ellen Olenska, Edith Wharton crafts a story that is both deeply emotional and incisively critical of the society that shaped them. The novel remains a timeless examination of the tensions between duty and passion, tradition and change, and innocence and experience. Wharton’s exquisite prose, psychological depth, and social commentary ensure that The Age of Innocence continues to resonate with readers and remains a defining work in American literature.