The two female main characters in Edith Wharton: The Age of Innocence

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• Publisher: GRIN Verlag
• Year: 2003
• eBook ISBN: 9783640059768
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Literature
• Subtopic: North American Literary Collections
• Index: Literature

Seminar paper from the year 2000 in the subject American Studies - Literature, grade: 2, 0 (B), University of Stuttgart, course: G3 American Literature, language: English, abstract: Dive into the opulent yet suffocating world of 19th-century New York high society, where love, duty, and societal expectations collide in a bitter struggle for individual freedom. Edith Wharton's masterpiece, "The Age of Innocence, " unveils the intricate lives of May Welland and Countess Ellen Olenska, two strikingly different women who represent the shifting sands of a society on the cusp of change. May, the epitome of virginal innocence and societal compliance, embodies the expectations and constraints placed upon women of her time, a delicate façade meticulously crafted by generations of tradition. Ellen, on the other hand, a scandalous European countess, returns to New York, bringing with her a breath of fresh air and a challenge to the rigid social norms. As she navigates the treacherous waters of the New York elite, her unconventional spirit and independent nature ignite a forbidden passion in Newland Archer, May's fiancé, a man torn between the comfort of societal acceptance and the allure of true love. The novel delves into the subtle yet powerful ways in which society shapes individual desires and destinies, exploring the themes of love, betrayal, sacrifice, and the stifling constraints of social convention. Discover how symbols and settings are used to highlight the contrast between these two women, reflecting the changing roles of women and the clash between tradition and modernity. The reader is invited to analyze the function of these heroines within their social context, questioning the price of conformity and the courage required to defy expectations. Experience the emotional turmoil as Newland grapples with his desires, and unravel the hidden depths beneath May's seemingly placid surface, revealing the cunning and power wielded within the gilded cage of New York's elite. Ultimately, "The Age of Innocence" compels us to reflect on the choices we make and the societal forces that shape our lives. Discover a world of secret longings, unspoken desires, and the enduring power of societal expectations in this timeless tale of love and sacrifice amidst the glittering backdrop of a bygone era, a powerful critique of societal hypocrisy, female roles, and the elusive nature of true happiness. Prepare to be captivated by Wharton's masterful prose, rich characterizations, and incisive social commentary as she unveils the complexities of the human heart in a world bound by convention.