The Age of Innocence Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 6 Summary

Chapter 6 Summary

After dinner, Newland Archer retires to his study. He sits at his desk and studies a picture of May Welland, his intended. She looks so beautiful and innocent. He is feeling unsettled because the arrival of Ellen Olenska has stirred up feelings he would rather not think of.

Newland had longed believed, against society, that women should be as free as men. As they entered into marriage, his wife was to forget about his past with other women, and he was supposed to be secure in the fact that his new bride had no past at all. But, he was aware of their many differences. May was not brought up with a love of literature and travel as he was. Of course, Newland was trying his best to teach her so that they may have stimulating conversations. She was also not nearly as advanced as he in philosophy.

Given her...
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