The Age of Innocence: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Age of Innocence" is a novel by Edith Wharton that explores the complexities of love and societal expectations in late 19th-century New York. The analysis of major characters reveals a rich tapestry of relationships and social dynamics. Newland Archer, a young lawyer, embodies the tension between personal desire and social obligation. He is married to May Welland, a traditional socialite who ultimately secures her position by announcing her pregnancy, thus reinforcing the societal norms that bind them.
Countess Ellen Olenska, Newland's love interest, returns to New York seeking divorce from her Polish husband, challenging the conventions of their closed society. Her intelligence and beauty captivate Newland, but societal pressures prevent him from pursuing a life with her. The broader family dynamics are represented by figures like Mrs. Catherine Mingott, May's controlling grandmother, and the Wellands, who represent the rigid values of the elite.
Other characters, such as Julius Beaufort, a businessman with a troubled marriage, and Ned Winsett, a journalist advocating for freedom from societal constraints, further illustrate the contrasting lifestyles and personal conflicts within this tightly woven community. Overall, the character analysis offers insights into the struggles between individual desires and cultural expectations, making it a significant exploration of human behavior and social structures.
The Age of Innocence: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Edith Wharton
First published: 1920
Genre: Novel
Locale: New York City
Plot: Social realism
Time: Late nineteenth century
Newland Archer, a young lawyer who is a member of New York's high society. Married to May Welland, a girl from his own class, he falls in love with Ellen Olenska and for a time considers running away with her. He never does so because he is bound by his ties of marriage and convention.
Countess Ellen Olenska, a New York girl of good family who has married a Polish nobleman but now wishes a divorce from him. Intelligent and beautiful, she comes back to New York, where she tries to fit into the life she had known before her marriage. She falls in love with Newland Archer. When the young attorney, persuaded by her family, urges her not to seek a divorce, she leaves for Europe without him. Years later, Archer's son visits Ellen in Paris.
May Welland Archer, Newland's wife, a typical New York socialite with all the restrictions and forms adopted by that class. She triumphs over Ellen Olenska and saves her marriage with the announcement that she is to become a mother.
Mr. Welland and Mrs. Welland, May's parents. Rich, conservative, puritanical, they are somewhat shocked by the discovery that their relative, Ellen, plans to divorce her husband. Clannishly, however, they give in her honor a party at which they announce the engagement of their daughter to Newland Archer.
Mrs. Catherine Mingott, May's grandmother, the mother of Mrs. Welland and a proud old aristocrat who dominates the clan.
Medora Mingott, May's aunt and Ellen's former chaperone. Flighty but good-natured, she brings Ellen back to the family home in New York after Ellen and her husband have separated.
Mr. van der Luyden and Mrs. van der Luyden, members of the old, conservative aristocracy. They generously offer to receive Ellen after she has been snubbed by others of her class.
Julius Beaufort, a successful New York businessman. Married, he carries on affairs on the side. Eventually he goes bankrupt.
Mrs. Beaufort, his wife, a fat, pleasant woman tolerant of her husband's philanderings.
Fanny Beaufort, the daughter of Julius by one of his mistresses. She marries Dallas Archer.
Dallas Archer, the son of May and Newland Archer. He manages to cut the ties of formal society which have held his father captive for so long, marries Fanny Beaufort, and leads a more relaxed and happier life than his father's.
Ned Winsett, one of Newland Archer's friends, a journalist who tries to win Archer over to a less restrictive life.
Reggie Chivers and Mrs. Chivers, Newland Archer's fashionable but understanding friends. They entertain him when he is trying to have a rendezvous with Ellen.
Jane Archer, Newland's wise and clever little sister. She has an ear for gossip and spends much time talking over tidbits of information with her mother.
Mrs. Archer, Newland's widowed mother. She intercedes for Ellen with the van der Luydens and manages to persuade them to give a dinner party for her after she has been snubbed by the rest of New York society.
Mrs. Lemuel Struthers, a lively, fat woman much interested in musicians and artists. She is considered quite vulgar by the “better” families.
Mr. Letterblau, the senior partner of the law firm for which Newland Archer works. He directs the young attorney to handle the Olenska divorce case.
Lawrence Lefferts, a society friend of the Archers and the Wellands.