The Age of Innocence opens with a scene at the opera, and you could say that the whole novel is a consideration of the romantic world presented in the theater. All those romantic moments between lovers on stage— are such perfect moments possible in real life?
The novel casts an ironic light on these romantic scenes by showing how much some characters are fascinated by their own daydreams. These daydreams are revealed to be just that— fantasy and illusion— in the face of cold, hard facts. Visions of a life free of prejudice and social convention may make for spectacular theater, but they just can't occur in the real world of New York in the 1870s.
Questions About Dreams, Hopes, and Plans
- Take a look at all the instances where Newland Archer's mind wanders off into daydreams or fantasies. What does he fantasize about?
- Consider the stuff that Newland Archer likes to read about or see at the theater. What kinds of books does he like to read? What are his favorite scenes at the theater or the opera? How do his tastes in music and literature influence the kind of dreams and fantasies he has?
- Do you think either Newland Archer or Madame Olenska is hopeful about the future? Why or why not? Do you think their attitude toward their hopes and dreams changes over the course of their lives? What changes and what remains the same?
Chew on This
Newland Archer's fantasies are driven by his dissatisfaction with society.
Newland Archer constantly fantasizes about a life that matches the kind of romantic emotion typically found in books or plays.