The Age of Innocence – Ultimately a study of failure and frustration Essay Example

and other matters have mostly remained undisturbed. Ellen, too, is oppressed by the Old New Yorkers and fears there may be no escape from their judgmental attitudes: "Oh, my dear - where is that country? Have you ever been there?" Her frustration with the Old New Yorkers is so great that she cannot conceive of a place where they would not oppress her. The only kindness she perceives from them is their allowing her to depart, although this is still seen as a necessary "tribal" action, albeit one carried out admirably.

In the final moments of the novel, Newland experiences a failure that stems from his decision to marry May Welland instead of pursuing the woman he truly loves. This decision highlights a larger failure in Newland, revealing an inability to find happiness due to societal oppression and frustration. Although the Old New York society often feels like a constraint, it serves a purpose and Newland's choices may not necessarily be seen as failures or products of frustration. At the end of the novel, Newland admits to being old-fashioned and respectful towards societal views, indicating that he may uphold these values. However, this could simply be a result of growing older and more conservative, as opposed to his youthful defiance against societal norms.

Newland appears to depend on his society, which he describes as the "silent organization which holds his little world together". This group neither questions "the propriety of Madame Olenska's conduct" nor the "completeness of Archer's domestic felicity". While this suggests a society that quietly oversees life and offers guidance, the reality is that Wharton implies it is a controlling organization that avoids questioning

to preserve its desired answers.

The prevalence of oppressive features of the Old New York society in 'The Age of Innocence' elicited frustration among the book's more liberal characters. The novel highlights failure and frustration, with Newland Archer's actions being taken out of necessity rather than choice or norm. The young New Yorkers who seek to break free from the aristocracy's stagnating views are repeatedly thwarted by the prevailing forces of Old New York society.

Many of the main characters are burdened by tradition and culture, resulting in a noticeable sense of frustration.