Chapter 11 Summary

A couple of weeks later, Newland Archer, sitting in his law office, is asked to speak to his superior. Ellen Olenska has filed a petition for a divorce, and the senior partner wants Newland to take care of it. Mainly, he wants him to persuade Ellen to cancel the divorce request, as was her family wishes. Newland protests, citing it was unfair as he was practically family. However, the senior partner insists that for just that reason he was perfect for the job. Newland agrees to look over the papers.

Chapter 11 Analysis

Chapter 11 introduces the fact that Newland will be taking care of Ellen's divorce papers. This chapter also alludes to the inner conflict that Newland is having over such a request. He believes both that women should stay with their husbands, but also that Ellen is right in asking for a divorce...