The Age of InnocenceWinner of the 1921 Pulitzer Prize, The Age of Innocence is an elegant, masterful portrait of desire and betrayal in old New York—now with a new introduction from acclaimed author Colm Tóibín for the novel’s centennial. With vivid power, Wharton evokes a time of gaslit streets, formal dances held in the ballrooms of stately brownstones, and society people "who dreaded scandal more than disease." This is Newland Archer's world as he prepares to many the docile May Welland. Then, suddenly, the mysterious, intensely nonconformist Countess Ellen Olenska returns to New York after a long absence, turning Archer's world upside down. This classic Wharton tale of thwarted love is an exuberantly comic and profoundly moving look at the passions of the human heart, as well as a literary achievement of the highest order. |
Contents
THE AGE OF INNOCENCE | 7 |
Notes | 387 |
Interpretive Notes | 407 |
Critical Excerpts | 415 |
Questions for Discussion | 425 |
Common terms and phrases
added American answered appeared Archer arms asked Beaufort better called carried considered continued Countess Olenska course cousin dear don’t door drawing-room dress Ellen engagement eyes face fact feel felt followed friends gave give glanced hand head heard hour husband idea Innocence Jackson kind knew lady laugh less light lived looked Luyden Madame Olenska Manson marriage married May’s mean meet mind Mingott Miss mother moved never Newland night novel once opened pale passed poor question reason rose seemed seen sense sent side silent Sillerton smile social society stood street suddenly suppose surprise talk tell things thought told tone took turned understand usual voice waiting walked Welland Wharton wife wish woman women wonder York young