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

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

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  • Pages: 3 (653 words)
  • Published: August 19, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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The statement "Ultimately a study of failure and frustration" indicates that our perspective on the novel as a study of failure becomes apparent only towards the end. This emphasizes the significance of the last parts of the book and the aftermath of its events over the actions themselves.

Although some may debate that the novel examines Newland Archer's life failure and societal constraints due to his suppression and distinctiveness in comparison to others in New York society, others may also argue that New York society as a whole had its established position and was widely accepted, as evidenced by the continued presence of an American aristocracy. Therefore, Newland's decisions were not based on dissatisfaction but rather on sound reasoning that can be justified.

In defense of divorced women starting afresh with a new partner, Newland Archer

...

argues against the double standards that permit men to indulge in extramarital affairs but condemn women for doing so: "I'm tired of the hypocrisy that condemns a woman of her age to social extinction if her husband chooses to consort with prostitutes...Women deserve freedom - the same freedom as men." It appears that Newland's forceful views stem from his frustration with his fellow New Yorkers. However, his sweeping statements suggest that he may not have fully considered his viewpoint or may not fully support it, as his own marital situation is conventional and oppressive towards him.

He experiences frustration due to the realization that marriage is not the secure haven he once believed it to be, but an unpredictable journey into uncharted waters. This frustration seems to stem primarily from Countess Olenska, as his previously conservative beliefs on marriag

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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.

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