Top 4 The Age of Innocence quotes
“Though there was already talk of the erection, in remote metropolitan distances ‘above the Forties,’ of a new Opera House which should compete in costliness and splendor with those of the great European capitals, the world of fashion was still content to reassemble every winter in the shabby red and gold boxes of the sociable old Academy. Conservatives cherished it for being small and inconvenient, and thus keeping out the ‘new people’ whom New York was beginning to dread and yet be drawn to.”
Narrator, Chapter 1
Old New York society is decidedly against the inclusion of new individuals within their ranks. They believe that only individuals that come from an old and wealthy background can be considered to be persons of quality. They have various means of enforcing this line within society, and one such method is the use of the old and shabby opera house that deters outsiders from visiting.
“Nothing about his betrothed pleased him more than her resolute determination to carry to its utmost limit that ritual of ignoring the ‘unpleasant’ in which they had both been brought up.”
Narrator, Chapter 3
At the beginning of the novel, Newland decides to marry May Welland because he wants to follow the social order and settle down in life. May is represented to be the ideal wife according to his social values, and the primary reason is that May is innocent, or rather that she appears to be innocent.
“You gave me my first glimpse of a real life, and at the same moment you asked me to go on with a sham one. It’s beyond human enduring—that’s all.”
Newland, Chapter 24
Newland and Ellen’s relationship is severely complicated by the social conventions of their society. Newland recognizes that his feelings for Ellen are true, but their condition impels them to pretend that they do not have feelings for one another. Instead, Ellen expects Newland to lead a happily married life with her cousin, May Welland.
“It’s more real to me here than if I went up,’ he suddenly heard himself say; and the fear lest that last shadow of reality should lose its edge kept him rooted to his seat as the minutes succeeded each other.”
Narrator, Chapter 34
In the final chapter of the novel, Newland, greatly advanced in his years, is allowed to meet Ellen again. However, he is unable to bring himself to go up to her apartment, and he leaves without ever meeting her.
