Episode 289: “The Age of Innocence” by Edith Wharton, Ch. 1-8
The Literary Life Podcast
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Societal Scandals and Women's Rights
This chapter examines the social repercussions faced by women in high society during Edith Wharton's era, particularly through the lens of divorce and societal norms. The narrative follows Newland Archer's internal conflict between personal desires and the expectations of a rigid social structure, highlighting the tensions surrounding divorced women like Countess Olenska. Through discussions of family dynamics, class distinctions, and the implications of fashion and behavior, the chapter provides a critical analysis of morality and social acceptance in 'The Age of Innocence.'
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