Facebook
Twitter
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Description
Table of contents
Biographical note
Excerpt
User Reviews
Edith Wharton in her book The Age of Innocence written and published in 1920 explores the complex social and moral constraints of New York high society in the 1870s. The story of Newland Archer, a young man torn between duty, desire and societal expectations, is a vivid portrayal of a world bound by tradition and conformity.
Set during the Gilded Age, the novel introduces us to a society governed by strict codes of behaviour where appearances and reputation are of utmost importance. Newland Archer, a respected member of this elite circle, finds himself engaged to the innocent and conventional May Welland. However, their carefully planned lives are disrupted by the arrival of May’s cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska, a free-spirited woman who challenges the established norms of the society she finds herself in.
As Newland becomes infatuated with Ellen and questions the suffocating conventions of his world, he starts his struggle with the tension between his desires and the expectations placed upon him. Wharton’s writing subtly reveals the inner conflict of her characters as they navigate the rigid expectations of their society while yearning for personal freedom and fulfilment.
The Age of Innocence explores themes of love, passion, duty and sacrifice and simultaneously raises questions about the price one must pay for conforming to societal norms and the consequences of breaking free from those constraints. Wharton deftly portrays the hypocrisy and constraints of a society that values propriety over personal happiness, forcing her characters to make difficult choices between loyalty to tradition and pursuing their desires.
Wharton’s keen observations and sharp social commentary shed light on the illusions and limitations of the “innocence” upheld by the upper class. Through the struggles and sacrifices of the characters, she exposes the societal pressures that stifle individuality and passion, ultimately challenging the notion of what it means to live a fulfilling life.
The Age of Innocence is a novel that will live forever and will continue to build an inner attachment with its readers. Wharton’s exquisite prose, rich character development and incisive critique of societal expectations make it a significant work of literature. It serves as a poignant reminder that true happiness often requires challenging the status quo and embracing the complexities and uncertainties of life, even at the risk of losing one’s innocence.
Edith Wharton in her book The Age of Innocence written and published in 1920 explores the complex social and moral constraints of New York high society in the 1870s. The story of Newland Archer, a young man torn between duty, desire and societal expectations, is a vivid portrayal of a world bound by tradition and conformity.
Set during the Gilded Age, the novel introduces us to a society governed by strict codes of behaviour where appearances and reputation are of utmost importance. Newland Archer, a respected member of this elite circle, finds himself engaged to the innocent and conventional May Welland. However, their carefully planned lives are disrupted by the arrival of May’s cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska, a free-spirited woman who challenges the established norms of the society she finds herself in.
As Newland becomes infatuated with Ellen and questions the suffocating conventions of his world, he starts his struggle with the tension between his desires and the expectations placed upon him. Wharton’s writing subtly reveals the inner conflict of her characters as they navigate the rigid expectations of their society while yearning for personal freedom and fulfilment.
The Age of Innocence explores themes of love, passion, duty and sacrifice and simultaneously raises questions about the price one must pay for conforming to societal norms and the consequences of breaking free from those constraints. Wharton deftly portrays the hypocrisy and constraints of a society that values propriety over personal happiness, forcing her characters to make difficult choices between loyalty to tradition and pursuing their desires.
Wharton’s keen observations and sharp social commentary shed light on the illusions and limitations of the “innocence” upheld by the upper class. Through the struggles and sacrifices of the characters, she exposes the societal pressures that stifle individuality and passion, ultimately challenging the notion of what it means to live a fulfilling life.
The Age of Innocence is a novel that will live forever and will continue to build an inner attachment with its readers. Wharton’s exquisite prose, rich character development and incisive critique of societal expectations make it a significant work of literature. It serves as a poignant reminder that true happiness often requires challenging the status quo and embracing the complexities and uncertainties of life, even at the risk of losing one’s innocence.
Edith Wharton, born Edith Newbold Jones lived from 1862 to 1937. He was an American novelist, short story writer and designer. Wharton is renowned for her penetrating social observations, sharp wit and insightful critiques of the upper-class society of her time. She was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, awarded to her in 1921 for her novel The Age of Innocence.
Wharton’s writing often delved into the lives and struggles of the privileged elite, exposing the hypocrisies and constraints that governed their existence. Her works, including novels such as The House of Mirth, Ethan Frome, and The Custom of the Country, reveal her astute understanding of human nature, the complexities of relationships and the impact of social expectations on individuals.
Wharton’s prose is characterized by its elegance, detailed description and attention to detail. She had a keen eye for the nuances of social interactions, often employing subtle gestures and dialogue to convey the tensions and subtleties of her characters’ inner lives. Her writing showcased a deep understanding of the human psyche and the motivations that drive people’s actions.
In addition to her literary contributions, Edith Wharton was also an influential figure in the realm of interior design and architecture. She was known for her refined taste and played an active role in the design and decoration of her homes. Wharton co-authored a book called The Decoration of Houses, which became a significant work in the field of interior design, emphasizing the importance of balance, proportion and harmony in creating aesthetically pleasing spaces.
Wharton’s writings continue to captivate readers with their timeless themes and incisive social commentary. Her exploration of the complexities of human nature, the constraints of society and the tension between individual desires and societal expectations make her an enduring figure in American literature. Edith Wharton’s legacy as a writer and tastemaker reflects her profound insights into the human condition and her ability to capture the nuances of a bygone era with remarkable clarity and insight.
Books that Speak to us Across Time
Books have a magical and timeless appeal. They inform, educate and entertain us. We love and cherish the books we grow up with, and explore the fascinating world they present all through our lives.
Trove seeks to preserve the tradition of reading by publishing books from the past. It is a treasure chest of the most precious works across various genres. Our vision is to keep alive works that have stood the test of time and pass them on to the next generation of readers.
Readers can browse and purchase titles in the Trove collection, gleaned from the huge ocean of treasured writings in the public domain, and republished. What’s more, Trove books can be read on paper or screen as they are available in a variety of formats.
Trove goes to great lengths to recover and refurbish old content, so readers can discover them in all their glory. Some treasures are indeed found not in caves but between the covers of a book.
Also from Trove
1. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
2. Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw
3. The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells
4. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
5. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
6. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
7. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
8. A Portrait of the Artist As a Young Man by James Joyce
9. The Mill on the Floss by George Eliot
10. The Return of the Native by Thomas Hardy
11. Moby Dick or The Whale by Melville Herman
12. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
13. Animal Farm by George Orwell
14. Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne
15. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
16. She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith
17. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
18. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
19. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
20. Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome
Visit us: www.trovebooks.in
Phone: +91-72002 58368
