Wharton's The Age of Innocence

"The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton is a novel set in 19th-century New York society, exploring themes of romantic longing, social expectations, and personal freedom. It follows Newland Archer, a young lawyer engaged to a conventional woman, who becomes torn between duty and genuine passion when he falls for the unconventional, spirited Countess Olenska. The story examines how strict social codes influence individual choices, often demanding conformity at the expense of true happiness. Ultimately, the novel highlights the tension between societal tradition and personal desire within a privileged, traditional social world.