The Age of Innocence

Synopsis

The Age of Innocence is written by Edith Wharton an American novelist and the first woman to be awarded the Pulitzer Price. Remembered for her portrayal of America's privileged classes with wit, humor and psychological insight, her literary contributions comprises of novels, Short stories, poetry and non-fiction including The Touchstone, The House of Mirth, The Custom of the Country and The Greater Inclination.

Newland Archer is soon to be married with May Welland, a product of old New York City. May Welland‘s cousin Ellen Olenska, who flouts New York society's fastidious rules and separating herself from Polish count. In an attempt to provide legal assistance to Ellen, he falls in love with her and keep himself away from the dilemma he asks May Welland’s family to speed up the wedding and soon they get married. 

However even after their marriage, he is unable to forget Ellen and to possess her, she has been called to take care of his sick mother. Days passed and his obsession towards Ellen only grows and he takes the ultimate decision to leave May and marry Ellen. May Welland has her own answers to his husband’s dilemma and she declares she is pregnant. Newland hopelessly trapped now, changes his mind and for his child’s sake decides to continue his loveless life with May. After 26 years, May has passed away and Newland’s children knowing about their mother’s cousin curiously visits Ellen. They send his father to see her first, however he decides not to see her again and returns without seeing her face.

Similar Bookshelves