In The Age of Innocence, the happiest characters are the ones who do not question social conventions and are content to conform. The unhappiest are the ones who see through all the social conventions and worry that they’ll never experience a feeling that is real and true.
The Age of Innocence dissects Newland Archer’s profound dissatisfaction with his social world. The existence he once accepted unquestioningly he now views as an artificial and conventional, with no possibility for adventure or exciting ideas or romantic passion.
Questions About Dissatisfaction
- Take a look at all the instances where Newland Archer expresses his dissatisfaction. What (or who) annoys him, and why? What makes him unhappy, and why?
- Take a look at the other characters, such as May Welland, Madame Olenska, and Julian Beaufort. Do these characters seem happy to you? Why or why not?
- What do you think would make Newland Archer perfectly happy? What about the other characters —May, Ellen Olenska, Mrs. Archer, etc.? Why is happiness so difficult to achieve for some characters?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Newland Archer's unhappiness is caused by his increased skepticism toward social conventions.
Happiness for Archer and Ellen Olenska is impossible because their happiness conflicts with their sense of duty.