"The Age of Innocence," authored by Edith Wharton, is a novel set in New York City during the 1870s, exploring the lives of the upper-class society. The story revolves around Newland Archer, a young lawyer who is engaged to the conventional May Welland. However, complications arise when Archer becomes captivated by May's unconventional cousin, the Countess Ellen Olenska, who challenges societal norms with her independent spirit and past choices.
As Archer navigates the rigid expectations of his social circle, he grapples with his feelings for Ellen and his responsibilities towards May. The book delves into themes of love, duty, and the conflict between personal desire and societal obligations, depicting the constraints of high society and the cost of genuine emotion.
Ultimately, "The Age of Innocence" presents a poignant critique of the era’s social conventions and the limits they impose on individual happiness. Hawthorne’s immersive narrative invites readers to reflect on the sacrifices made for conformity and the true essence of love amid the constraints of societal expectations.