The Age of Innocence

<p>The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton is a novel set in 1870s New York high society. It follows Newland Archer a young lawyer engaged to the proper and beautiful May Welland. However his world is shaken when he meets Countess Ellen Olenska May's unconventional cousin who has returned from Europe after a scandalous separation from her husband.</p><p>Ellen's independence and disregard for rigid social rules fascinate Newland and he falls deeply in love with her. Yet bound by duty and the expectations of his class he marries May and suppresses his true feelings. The novel explores themes of social conformity personal freedom and the sacrifices individuals make to uphold societal norms.</p><p>In the end Newland chooses responsibility over passion embodying the tension between desire and duty in a world governed by appearances.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>