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The Age Of Innocence, By Edith Wharton

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Edith Wharton wrote The Age of Innocence using the 1920’s to develop Newland Archer as a character of the time. After World War I ended in 1918, the North thrived with wealth. This newfound wealth caused the growing social classes of New York City exhibited in the novel. The characters in the book are influenced by this prosperity and the changes of the 1920’s. Post-World War America was afflicted with the emotional traumas that are caused by war. The distress of this time can be seen throughout the plot within the dramatic scenes of the novel. This can be seen when Archer suffered with his emotions when contemplating his marriage with May. Newland Archer, the protagonist, is overwhelmed with the consequences of his involvement with The Countess, Ellen Olenska. The daily stresses Archer faces are similar to those faced by returned soldiers. Both Archer and the soldiers struggle with their actions that have emotionally changed them as people. Wharton, growing up in a time of war, understood the hardships faced by everyone in the community. She took her perceptions of post-war life to create the cause and effect’s of Archer’s circumstances. …show more content…

He is young, popular, and wealthy. He even embodies 1920’s fashion by perfectly combing his hair to the side and wearing fashionable clothes. Fashion of the 1920’s is seen as the highlight of the era when looking back from today. Newland Archer is completely and utterly a 1920’s American. His money, his attitude towards his fiance, and his gentlemanly manners are all conceptually American from a 1920’s

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