The Age of Innocence

Set in New York City's Gilded Age, the story centers on Newland Archer, a gentleman lawyer engaged to the traditional May Welland. The arrival of Countess Ellen Olenska, May's captivating cousin, disrupts Archer's life, as she embodies a defiance of societal norms. Torn between the expectations of his engagement and the allure of Ellen's unconventional spirit, Archer faces a pivotal choice that will shape his future. Wharton's narrative delves into themes of honor, love, and the tension between societal expectations and personal desire.