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pbraue13 's review for:
The Age of Innocence
by Edith Wharton
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton is a masterful exploration of love, duty, and societal constraints set in the Gilded Age of New York. Wharton's writing is exquisitely detailed, painting a vivid picture of a society bound by rigid rules and conventions. At the heart of the novel is Newland Archer, a young lawyer torn between his obligation to his fiancée, May Welland, and his passionate desire for her unconventional cousin, Ellen Olenska. The novel's brilliance lies in its subtlety; Wharton expertly captures the tensions, unspoken emotions, and sacrifices that define human relationships, particularly in a world that values appearance and reputation above all.
Wharton's sharp wit and critical eye for the hypocrisy of high society add layers of depth to this social commentary. The characters are complex and richly drawn, making readers feel their conflicts and desires. The Age of Innocence is not just a love story; it is a commentary on the choices we make, the roles we play, and the often-painful cost of living up to societal expectations.
For fans of the novel, I highly recommend the 1993 film adaptation by Martin Scorsese. Though primarily known for his gritty crime dramas, Scorsese considers The Age of Innocence to be his most violent film—not in the traditional sense of physical brutality, but in the emotional and psychological turmoil the characters endure. The film beautifully captures the novel's atmosphere, with stunning period-accurate sets and costumes that bring the Gilded Age to life. Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder give powerful performances that embody the restraint, passion, and pain at the novel's core. Scorsese’s adaptation is a rare gem that stays true to the spirit of Wharton’s work while showcasing his own cinematic genius.
Whether you’re reading the book or watching the film, The Age of Innocence remains a compelling, timeless story that resonates with anyone who has ever struggled between personal desire and societal expectations.
4/5 stars
Wharton's sharp wit and critical eye for the hypocrisy of high society add layers of depth to this social commentary. The characters are complex and richly drawn, making readers feel their conflicts and desires. The Age of Innocence is not just a love story; it is a commentary on the choices we make, the roles we play, and the often-painful cost of living up to societal expectations.
For fans of the novel, I highly recommend the 1993 film adaptation by Martin Scorsese. Though primarily known for his gritty crime dramas, Scorsese considers The Age of Innocence to be his most violent film—not in the traditional sense of physical brutality, but in the emotional and psychological turmoil the characters endure. The film beautifully captures the novel's atmosphere, with stunning period-accurate sets and costumes that bring the Gilded Age to life. Daniel Day-Lewis, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Winona Ryder give powerful performances that embody the restraint, passion, and pain at the novel's core. Scorsese’s adaptation is a rare gem that stays true to the spirit of Wharton’s work while showcasing his own cinematic genius.
Whether you’re reading the book or watching the film, The Age of Innocence remains a compelling, timeless story that resonates with anyone who has ever struggled between personal desire and societal expectations.
4/5 stars