Age Of Innocence essays

Age Of Innocence essays Age of Innocence took place in the 1870s in New York City. It starts out with the announcement of engagement of Mae Weland and Newland Archer. Each of which comes from the sturdiest part of their family. Mrs. Manson Mingoll, Maes grandmother is eager to give the wedding breakfast for the couple. Mrs. Mingoll is known by all either by marriage or by reputation. She lives in a big house near Central Park. Mae and Newland are two of the best families in New York to join in marriage. Archers mother and sister were very shy and shrank in society. They often made fun of the under class people. They also liked to make fun of Maes cousin Ellen, which Newland was quick to be on her side. Ellen was married to the Count and they had just separated. He kept her as prisoner to their marriage, which she was not happy . Newland was sure to let his mother and sister know that Ellens marriage problems with the Count were not her fault and women should have the same rights as men. Mrs.Mingoll had a formal dinner for Ellen so that family and friends could meet her, since she had been living in London with the Count. Ellen made sure to talk to Newland that night and they discussed marriage. Ellen wanted a divorce with the Count and Newland, being in the firm, wanted to help her. He advised her she should not divorce the Count because he was liable to accuse her of untrue things about Ellen that would jeopardize her social reputation with family and friends. Another reason Archer did not want her to divorce him was because Archer was becoming part of this family and divorce in a family did not look good to the community. Divorce brought shame to the family and was not accepted in their time. Ellen just wanted to leave her old life behind her and be a normal American. Archer received a letter from Ellen that she has left town to visit some friends for a while, which Archer leaves immediately and goes to see her. He t ...