"The Age of Innocence"

Paper Summary:

This paper provides an analysis of how Edith Wharton's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "The Age of Innocence", presents a traditional setting in which the characters must abide by society's will or face the severe consequences. The paper discusses how these rigid social customs, as described in Wharton's book, were the framework that led the United States into the 20th century.

From the Paper:

"Much took place during the 20th century to fundamentally change the social patterns and family structures in place in the United States. However, during the late 19th century, things were different. Life was slower and was governed in large part by strict traditions and social practices that dictated who should wear what and why, as well as what was required to achieve a degree of respectability and social success. In this environment, anything that conforms to the pattern will likely be viewed with comfort and acceptance, while anything that falls outside of such tradition will be viewed with suspicious and fear. This paper will provide a review of how Edith Wharton's Pulitzer Prize-winning The Age of Innocence presents a traditional setting in which the characters must abide by society's will or face the severe consequences. A summary of the research will be provided in the conclusion."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Singley, C. J. (2003). A historical guide to Edith Wharton. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Wharton, E. (1920). The age of innocence. New York: D. Appleton.
• Witherow, J. (2003). A dialectic of deception: Edith Wharton's the Age of Innocence. Mosaic, 36(3), 165.

More papers on "The Age of Innocence":

• Comparison Essay # 6187 : "The Age of Innocence"
• Book Review # 145592 : "Blossoms in E. Wharton's "The Age of Innocence"
• Analytical Essay # 8468 : "The Age of Innocence"

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