Edith Wharton (1862-1937) was born a newyorker and saw the changes she describes in her book as she grew older and New York bigger. Critics have often misinterpreted her sarcasm when talking about the old-school habits and small communities; there is, however, some sentimentality when talking about what was in the past.
Even the title itself is one full of irony. The Age of Innocence could only be seen, by the descriptions of it, as an age full of pretence, superficial feelings and clinging to something that is long lost. What’s more, the ways in which the upper community members try to reserve the conservative manners and understandings, and eliminate those that threaten their mission, are far from innocent. Belonging to such a society was a dangerous game, and not everyone were aware of how their future was played with.
The character of Ellen is scandalous at the time, and therefore, not fully accepted to the society. She is not invited to parties, and men only think of her as fit for being a mistress. Her situation is bad, but she thinks of herself more than that, and refuses to go as low as expected from her. In contrast to her, May is seen as innocent, following the rules of the community. However, as the community is not actually as innocent as first thought, so isn’t May. She knows how to use the ways and her position to get what she wants. Moreover, it might not even be what she wants, but it is something to survive with, to adapt and fulfil her role.
Ellen is wanting a divorce, and May is wanting a marriage. Once committed to a man, it would be scandalous to change plans – during the time, men were in control.
In this novel, however, it is not the protagonist Newland Archer who is in control. From the beginning he describes himself as an outsider, and sees himself even as on top of all the society members because he acknowledges the games they are playing, and the power relationships that have to be taken into account. He, however, fails to see how while trying to fit in, he himself is a victim of those same games. May, the innocent pride to be uses every possible method to stop him from seeing Ellen. Only years later does he find out that he has never been free to decide. The decisions have been made in the quiet chambers of the higher class.
To be very honest, I never actually finished this book, but seeing as I wrote a comparative essay on it, read most of it, and watched a film, I can say I am well aware of the techniques, style and narrative itself used in this particular novel.
I didn’t enjoy it. Maybe if I came back to it as some other time, because the plot itself was interesting.. But I guess as the time was restricted and my will not strong enough, for this time, I have to say that it just wasn’t not my cup of tea.
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