The Age of Innocence Book Summary

Edith Wharton first released her book The Age of Innocence in 1920. The late nineteenth-century upper-class New York society is shown in this piece. Through references to the families and their roles as tribe chiefs, the novel is portrayed as an anthropological study of this civilization. 

A brief overview

The Welland family's lovely and esteemed daughter is May Welland. Recently, she received an announcement from Newland Archer, an upper class and wealthy lawyer, about his engagement. The perfect storm is upset when Countess Ellen Olenska returns to the United States after divorcing her adulterous Polish husband. In the latter half of the 1800s, May's cousin, Countess Olenska, stirs up trouble among the upper classes of New York. Too many people believe the Countess had one or more affairs, and her mannerisms and sense of style are viewed as disgusting. Countess Olenska quickly becomes socially isolated as a number of families, including the van der Luydens, form opinions about her character based on rumours about her behavior. It's true that the van der Luydens are eager to sabotage the goodwill that exists between them and other prominent families, including the Countess Olenska. 

Archer and May are resolved to assist the Countess's mother, Mrs. Manson Mingott, in her efforts to reintegrate her into New York society. Archer has a close relationship with the Countess while assisting her with her legal matters, which makes him doubt his feelings for his fiancée. Although Countess May is all business and no play, Archer considers the Countess's quirky perspective on New York society to be more fascinating than May's rigidity and seriousness.

Further analysis

The day comes when Countess Olenska declares her intention to file for divorce from the Count. Archer assists the Mingotts in persuading the Countess to remain married, despite his desire for her freedom. Following the Countess Olenska's departure for a villa on the Hudson River, Archer doesn't waste any time. Right now, he's infatuated with the Countess. Following the diagnosis of bronchitis in May's mother, Archer abruptly departs for Florida, where she will spend the winter with her family. When Archer finds out about May's surprise, he pushes her to be married as soon as possible.

When May realizes how strongly Archer wants to get married, she believes he is rushing toward the union to prevent him from changing his mind and choosing a different woman. Upon disclosing her true feelings to Archer, he dismisses her as naive and declares his undying love for her. But upon returning to New York, Archer confesses his true feelings to the Countess Olenska. The problem becomes more complex when Archer learns from May that her parents are keen to start the marriage process earlier than anticipated.

Despite being bewildered by his emotions, Archer marries May. Following their wedding in New York, they head back to Europe for a lovely honeymoon before beginning their married life there. Archer felt the Countess fade into the backdrop of his mind. However, Archer has face-to-face interactions with the Countess while he is in Newport. The Countess has made it plain to Archer that she will only remain in America if they decide to break up, even if they are infatuated with one another.

Upon his return to New York, Archer finds out that the Countess has actually turned down her husband and wants to remain in her home to take care of her grandmother, who has had a stroke. Archer is shocked to hear the news. When the Countess and the Archer first meet, they are about to give in to their desire for sex. Having failed to carry out her objectives, the Countess makes the spontaneous decision to return to Europe. Unaware that the Countess is having an affair with Archer, May organizes a celebration to honour her leaving. May happily breaks the good news that she is expecting a child to Archer during the celebrations. It is revealed to the public two weeks later that the Countess was aware of the baby.

Last words

After a while, Countess Olenska departs the scene. Archer, who was married for twenty-five years, is now a widower with three children of his own. May passed away from pneumonia. Following much consideration, Archer will travel to Paris with his son to meet the Countess. Archer makes the unilateral decision to send his kid to meet the Countess just before the deadline. Archer wants nothing more than to hold the Countess's memories close to his heart.