The Age of Innocence
The Age of Innocence is a XNUMXth century classic, written by renowned American author Edith Wharton. It is a romantic story that takes place in the New York high society of the last century. In this, the protagonists will have to fight against the parameters and customs established by the elites of the time.
The novel —Set in 1870— was one of the most requested in New York libraries and bookstores in the 20s. Likewise, the title won the Pulitzer Prize in 1921. Such has been the scope of the work that it was adapted for the stage and three times for the big screen (1924, 1934 and 1993).
The Age of Innocence
It is a romantic historical novel published in 1920, set mainly in the New York of 1870. The plot involves the families of the New York elite, who lived to high standards, attending the opera and meeting at parties, dinners and dances. In the work, Wharton describes the lavish settings and events in detail as she appreciated them at the time.
The writer bases the story in part on her personal experiences. The most obvious are the references to the behaviors of the wealthy of their city of origin, who judged by the least and believed themselves perfect. In addition, reflects the European reality of those years —In the way of antagonism—, with less classism and more culturally advanced than New York.
Synopsis
The story begins with the announcement of the engagement between the young Newland Archer and May Welland; both from families of high social status. He is a lawyer; fairly disciplined, rooted in the customs of the time. She is a quiet young lady, educated with the best principles and determined to be the perfect wife; always happy, but without any aspiration or opinion of her own.
By those days Countess Ellen Olenska had arrived in New York, who is May's cousin. She is a beautiful, autonomous and unconventional woman. This eccentric lady has returned from Europe after separating from her husband, which is unacceptable for American high society. The scandalous rumors do not wait and they also begin to affect their relatives.
Newland Archer's New Perspective
Due to this dire situation, Archer's boss asks him to talk to Ellen privately and convince her to cancel the divorce proceedings. As they chat, he realizes how unhappy Ellen has been to be married to someone she doesn't love. On the other hand, she makes the lawyer realize how suffocating society is where he has always lived.
Finally, Ellen gives in to Archer's request and backs down on the divorce, although he is not entirely satisfied. Having known part of European culture makes him wake up from the lethargy he was in. The lawyer's mindset has changed and now he begins to question himself in relation to to what a good marriage should be.
Loving threesome
After that conversation, Newland and the Countess become good friends. Due to how comfortable he felt with her, he decides to accompany her to the vacation home of some family friends. Being there, Archer realizes how he truly feels about Ellen; their interest goes beyond being friends and future cousins.
newland Despite being a calm and correct man, he has always had progressive thoughts, and criticizes the standards by which the elite to which he belongs live. It is because of that tempted to leave everything for Ellen —Who also corresponds—, but your responsibility weighs more and ends up marrying May; although his feelings for Ellen are still latent.
Many will be the situations that will arise from this love triangle, between the struggle of what is "correct" and what is unconventional. The three characters will end up making decisions that will affect the life of each of thems, with an ending that may not be expected by many.
Film adaptation
The Age of Innocence has been brought to the big screen in three opportunitiess. The first was in 1924, in silent format and by Warner Brothers. The second movie was in 1934; This was based on the novel and was complemented by the text of a theater adaptation made six years ago — presented on Broadway in 1928.
The last film to capture history written by Edith Wharton was produced in 1993 by Columbia Pictures and directed by Martin Scorsese. Its protagonists were Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer and Winona Ryder; who represented Newland, Ellen and May, respectively. The film was nominated for several film awards, winning in the categories:
- Best Costume Design (Oscar, 1993)
- Best Supporting Actress for Winona Ryder (Golden Globes, 1993)
- Director: Martin Scorsese and Supporting Actress: Winona Ryder (National Board of Review, 1993)
- Best Supporting Actress for Miriam Margolyes (BAFTA 1993)
About the author
On Friday, January 24, 1862, New York City saw the birth of Edith Newbold Jones. Since he belonged to one of the wealthiest families in high society, he was educated at home, with the best tutors. In addition, had the opportunity to visit several of the main cities in the world, since from a very young age she traveled with her parents.
Edith Wharton
Edith was always passionate about writing; she was, in fact, a precocious author. However, her works were slow to be published, since at that time it was frowned upon for a woman of rank to dedicate herself to literature. It was for this that many of his early stories were submitted anonymously, and sometimes under pseudonyms.
Trips
He lived much of his childhood with his parents on the European continent, although he always traveled to his native New York. Edith managed to cross the Atlantic about 66 times, which allowed her to learn several languages and get to know some cultures of the world. In the same way, this helped enrich his books and made it easier for him to make very good friends, such as Henry James.
Marriage
She married Edward Robbins Wharton in 1885, a relationship that is not recognized as harmonious, but rather turbulent due to infidelities on the part of her partner. After 28 years of marriage, Edith was one of the first ladies in high society to get divorced, something quite complicated for the time, since the subject was considered taboo.
First World War
It is his path through Europe, Edith Wharton It was linked to many events, including the First World War. While the conflict was happening, He was allowed to attend the front line of battle to bring medical aid to those affected in the area. That action earned him the Cross of the Legion of Honor from the French government.
Death
After the war, Edith Wharton moved Saint-Brice-sous-Forêt. In that place he lived until the day of his death on August 11, 1937, after suffering a cardiovascular attack. His remains are in the holy field of Gonards, in Versailles.