Overview

The Age of Innocence, published in 1920 by American author Edith Wharton, is a novel that explores the themes of love, desire, and societal expectations. The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is set in New York City during the 1870s and follows the life of Newland Archer, a young lawyer who is engaged to marry the beautiful and conventional May Welland. However, when May’s cousin, the Countess Ellen Olenska, returns to New York after a failed marriage, Newland finds himself drawn to her and forced to confront the rigid social codes of his time. The Age of Innocence was adapted into a well-regarded film by Martin Scorese starring Daniel-Day Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder in 1993.

Upgrade to PLUS and get instant access to all the study tools

Upgrade to PLUS and get instant access to all the study tools