• Set during an age of convention and propriety in New York City society at the turn of the century, Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence tells the story of a young man who is married to one woman but in love with another.

• Fast Facts

  1. Author: Edith Wharton
  2. Genre: Romance
  3. Publication date: 1920
  4. Publisher: Pictoral Review
  5. • Won the Pulitzer Prize in 1921
  6. Adaptations: 1993 film adaptation directed by Martin Scorsese
  7. Setting: Late 1800s, New York City

• Plot Synopsis

  Newland Archer is a successful lawyer and member of a wealthy family. He is engaged to May Welland, a beautiful young woman and the ideal choice for a traditional bride. In order to save the family from disgrace, Newland is asked to convince May's cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska, not to divorce her husband. In the process, Archer begins to develop feelings for Ellen and begins to doubt May as his future wife. Archer eventually marries May while still holding feelings for Ellen. After a brief affair with Ellen and her departure to Europe, he spends the rest of his life lamenting his joyless marriage and inability to be with his true love.

• Critical Reception

  The Age of Innocence is generally considered to be a classic romance novel and was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1921.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Edith Wharton | Ethan Frome | The House of Mirth | Custom of the Country | Backward Glance | The Buccaneers | Decoration of Houses | Old New York | The Mother's Recompense | The Valley of Decision

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