The Age of Innocence

"The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton is a novel set in 19th-century New York society, exploring themes of social conventions, tradition, and individual desire. It follows Newland Archer, a man caught between his love for a woman and his obligations to his aristocratic, conservative community. The story highlights how societal expectations often repress personal happiness, emphasizing the tension between personal fulfillment and social conformity. Through its detailed portrayal of upper-class life, the novel examines how societal norms shape human choices and the costs of adhering to or challenging these conventions.