The Age of Innocence Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

The Age of Innocence Topics for Further Study

Compare Wharton's depiction of New York society life with what you know about tribal societies, past or present. Do you think that Newland Archer's use of anthropological terms to describe his community is justified? If so, what can you conclude about human nature? If not, why do you suppose Newland thinks of his environment in this way?

Compare and contrast Countess Ellen Olenska in The Age of Innocence and Hester Prynne in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter.

Consider the novel's title, and make a case for why you believe Wharton chose it. Do you find that there are multiple meanings, or does the title refer to one specific character or event in the novel?

Do you think Newland would have followed Ellen to Europe if May had not announced her pregnancy?

Research three different psychological theories (i.e., behaviorism, gestalt, rogerian, etc.), and make a prediction based...
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