The Age of Innocence

The Age of Innocence

In the film The Age of Innocence, a reoccurring happening throughout the movie is how the characters must abide by an unspoken rule. Most of the characters of the film seem to make their life choices accordingly, even if it means giving up what they truly want.

A prime example of a character following appropriate conduct for the society is Newland Archer. Newland is in love with Mae’s cousin, Ellen, and for him to even consider leaving Mae for her is absolutely unheard of. Newland has to decide whether Ellen is worth being a social outcast and being totally separated from the rich society he is part of. Newland already knows he cannot do this because of his obligations to take care of his mother and sister, and that there is no way he could just pick up and leave to be with Ellen.

The only character in the movie that really seems to follow her own heart is Ellen. Ellen went against these societal norms and separated from her husband. She was never completely treated the same by