The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores the complexities of society, love, and marriage in the late 19th century. The novel follows the story of Newland Archer, a wealthy and respected member of New York society, as he navigates his engagement to the innocent and traditional May Welland. However, when May’s cousin, the unconventional and scandalous Ellen Olenska, returns to New York, Newland finds himself torn between his duty to May and his growing feelings for Ellen.
One interpretation of The Age of Innocence is that it serves as an allegory for the constraints and expectations placed upon individuals in high society. The novel portrays a world in which social norms and expectations dictate every aspect of life, from marriage to fashion to conversation topics. Newland and May’s engagement is a prime example of this, as they are expected to marry not out of love, but out of duty to their families and social class. Ellen, on the other hand, represents a threat to the established order, as she challenges societal norms with her unconventional behavior and desire for personal freedom.
Background on ‘The Age of Innocence’
‘The Age of Innocence‘ is a novel written by Edith Wharton, an American writer, in 1920. The novel is set in the 1870s, in the upper-class society of New York City. The story revolves around the lives of Newland Archer, a young lawyer, and his fiancée May Welland.
Wharton wrote the novel in 1919, a few years after the First World War, which had a significant impact on her life and her writing. She was living in France at the time, and the war had destroyed the world she had grown up in. In the novel, Wharton explores the themes of tradition, social norms, and the tension between individual desire and societal expectations.
‘The Age of Innocence’ was initially serialized in four parts in the magazine Pictorial Review before it was published as a book by D. Appleton & Company. The novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921, making Wharton the first woman to win the prize. The novel has been adapted into several films and stage productions, including a 1993 film directed by Martin Scorsese.
Wharton’s writing style is characterized by her attention to detail and her ability to capture the nuances of social interactions. Her use of irony and satire adds depth to her characters and their relationships. The novel has been praised for its insightful portrayal of the upper-class society of New York City in the late 19th century and its exploration of the human condition.
Understanding Allegory
Allegory is a literary device that uses symbolic representation to convey a deeper meaning or message. In “The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton, the author uses allegory to explore the themes of societal norms, conformity, and the consequences of breaking away from tradition.
The novel follows the story of Newland Archer, a young lawyer who is engaged to May Welland, a woman from a wealthy and prominent family in New York City. However, when Newland meets May’s cousin, Ellen Olenska, he becomes enamored with her and begins to question the rigid social expectations of their society.
Through the characters and their interactions, Wharton uses allegory to comment on the restrictive nature of societal norms and the consequences of breaking away from tradition. For example, the character of May represents the ideal of a perfect wife and society’s expectations of women, while Ellen represents the desire for freedom and individuality.
Major Themes as Allegories
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton is a novel that explores several major themes that can be interpreted as allegories. These themes include the conflict between individual freedom and societal expectations, the tension between tradition and modernity, and the struggle between passion and duty.
One way to interpret the conflict between individual freedom and societal expectations in the novel is as an allegory for the tension between the individual and society in general. The novel portrays the rigid social codes and expectations of high society in late 19th century New York City, and the characters are often torn between their desire to follow their own hearts and their duty to conform to societal norms. This allegory can be applied to any society where individuals must balance their own desires with the expectations of the larger community.
Another major theme in the novel is the tension between tradition and modernity. This theme can be interpreted as an allegory for the struggle between the past and the future. The characters in the novel are torn between the traditions of their ancestors and the rapidly changing world around them. This allegory can be applied to any period of history where people are forced to adapt to new technologies, social norms, and cultural values.
Finally, the struggle between passion and duty can be interpreted as an allegory for the conflict between the heart and the mind. The novel portrays characters who are torn between their intense passions and their sense of duty to their families, their social class, and their own moral code. This allegory can be applied to any situation where individuals must choose between following their hearts and doing what they believe is right.
Character Allegories
The characters in Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence serve as allegories for the societal norms and values of the time period. Newland Archer, the protagonist, represents the conformity and adherence to tradition that was expected of the upper-class in 1870s New York. His love interest, Ellen Olenska, symbolizes the desire for individuality and freedom from societal constraints.
May Welland, Archer’s fiancée and later wife, embodies the ideal of the perfect, obedient wife who follows the expectations of her family and society without question. On the other hand, May’s mother, Mrs. Manson Mingott, represents the matriarchal figure who holds the power and influence in the family and society.
The character of Julius Beaufort, a wealthy businessman, is an allegory for the emerging capitalist culture of the time period. He represents the rise of the nouveau riche and the increasing importance of wealth and material possessions in society.
Setting as Allegory
The setting of “The Age of Innocence” plays a crucial role in the novel’s allegory. The story takes place in New York City during the 1870s, a time when the upper class was at the height of its power and influence. This setting serves as an allegory for the rigid social norms and expectations that governed the lives of the wealthy elite during this period.
Wharton’s use of setting as allegory is particularly evident in her descriptions of the grand mansions and lavish parties that take place throughout the novel. These opulent settings are meant to represent the superficiality and excess of the upper class, which is so concerned with appearances and social status that it is unable to see the deeper truths of life.
Furthermore, the setting of “The Age of Innocence” also serves as an allegory for the larger social and cultural context of America during this period. The novel takes place during a time of great change and upheaval in the country, as the Industrial Revolution and other technological advancements began to transform American society.
Symbolism in the Narrative
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton is a novel that is rich in symbolism. Throughout the narrative, Wharton uses various symbols to convey deeper meanings and themes.
One of the most prominent symbols in the novel is flowers. Flowers are used to represent the opposition between innocence and experience. May, one of the main characters, is always carrying white flowers, usually lilies-of-the-valley. In fact, Archer sends her a bouquet of these flowers every day. This symbolizes his admiration for her innocence and purity.
Another symbol that Wharton uses is the concept of darkness and light. The darkness represents the harsh realities of life, while the light represents the illusion of innocence. Ellen, another main character, has experienced life’s darkness, and her illusions have been destroyed. In contrast, Archer lives in a world of illusion and fantasy, where he is shielded from the harsh realities of life.
Lastly, Wharton uses the concept of the opera as a symbol. The opera represents the societal expectations and norms of the time. It is a place where everyone is expected to behave a certain way and follow the rules. However, the characters in the novel often feel trapped by these societal expectations and long for something more.
Interpreting the Title
The title of Edith Wharton’s novel, “The Age of Innocence,” is open to interpretation. On one hand, it could be seen as a reference to the innocence of the main character, Newland Archer, who is torn between his love for two women and the expectations of society. On the other hand, it could be interpreted as a commentary on the innocence of the upper-class society in which the novel is set.
The novel is set in the late 19th century, a time when the upper-class society of New York was rigidly structured and governed by strict social codes. The characters in the novel are bound by these codes, which dictate everything from their behavior to their relationships. The title could be seen as a reference to the innocence of this society, which is unaware of its own limitations and the changes that are taking place around it.
Another interpretation of the title is that it refers to the innocence of the characters themselves. Newland Archer, for example, is initially portrayed as innocent and naive, unaware of the true nature of the society in which he lives. As the novel progresses, however, he begins to see the flaws in this society and becomes disillusioned with it.
Critical Reception and Interpretation
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton has been widely acclaimed for its allegorical elements. Critics have often interpreted the novel as a commentary on the social norms and expectations of the time period in which it is set. Wharton’s portrayal of the upper class society in New York in the 1870s has been praised for its accuracy and attention to detail, while her use of symbolism has been noted as a significant aspect of the novel.
One of the most prominent symbols in the novel is the concept of innocence itself. Wharton explores the idea of innocence as both a positive and negative force, highlighting the ways in which it can both protect and harm individuals. The character of May Welland, for example, is often seen as a symbol of innocence, but her innocence also serves to keep her trapped in a restrictive social role.
Another key theme in the novel is the tension between tradition and progress. Wharton portrays the conflict between these two forces through the character of Newland Archer, who struggles to balance his desire for change with his loyalty to the traditions and expectations of his social class. This tension is also reflected in the novel’s setting, which is on the cusp of major social and technological changes.