CliffsNotes on

The Age of Innocence

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About the Author

About the Novel

Introduction
Brief Synopsis
List of Characters
Character Map

Summaries and Commentaries

Book 1: Chapter I
Book 1: Chapters II–III
Book 1: Chapters IV–VI
Book 1: Chapters VII–VIII
Book 1: Chapters IX–XI
Book 1: Chapters XII–XIII
Book 1: Chapters XIV–XV
Book 1: Chapters XVI–XVII
Book 1: Chapter XVIII
Book 2: Chapters IXX–XX
Book 2: Chapters XXI–XXIV
Book 2: Chapters XXV–XXVI
Book 2: Chapters XXVII–XXX
Book 2: Chapters XXXI–XXXIII
Book 2: Chapter XXXIV

Character Analyses

Newland Archer
May Welland Archer
Countess Ellen Olenska
Mrs. Manson Mingott

Critical Essays

Themes in The Age of Innocence
The Ironic Title of The Age of Innocence

Study Help

Quiz
Essay Questions
Practice Projects

Cite this Literature Note

What should be his first order of business once President-elect Obama takes office?

Cutting taxes/economic recovery.
Promoting peace in Israel/Gaza.
Ending the war in Iraq.
Creating jobs/dealing with unemployment.
Addressing climate change/environmental issues.

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Study Help

Quiz

1:  Which two stage productions are used by Wharton to mirror the novel’s plot?

a. The Tempest and Aida

b. Faust and The Shaughraun

c. Othello and The Marriage of Figaro

d. The Magic Flute and Awake and Sing
2:  How are May and Countess Ellen Olenska related?

a. They are sisters.

b. They are friends.

c. They are cousins.

d. May is Count Olenska’s niece.
3:  Whose help do the Mingotts enlist to help after no one accepts a dinner invitation to introduce Ellen to society?

a. Mrs. Archer and Janey Archer

b. Julius and Regina Beaufort

c. Medora Manson

d. Henry and Louisa van der Luyden
4:  Where does Newland go to find May, when he is tempted by his feelings for Ellen?

a. London

b. San Francisco

c. Boston

d. Florida
5:  Where do Newland and Ellen meet secretly to discuss their future?

a. The Academy of Music

b. The Metropolitan Museum

c. Washington Square

d. Wallack’s Theatre
6:  How is the minor character, Ned Winsett used in the novel?

a. To demonstrate the drawbacks of the artistic life

b. To show the advantages of leisure-class life

c. As a symbol of the New Rich

d. As an example of the kind of people May befriends
7:  When Newland goes to see May and her family on vacation, what does he request?

a. That their engagement be shortened

b. That she marry someone else

c. That she cancel the engagement

d. That they elope
8:  Why are the Beauforts shunned by New York society?

a. Because of their daughter’s socially unacceptable marriage

b. Because of Regina’s political leanings

c. Because of Julius’ philandering

d. Because of their financial loses
9:  How does May die?

a. Of pneumonia

b. In childbirth

c. Of consumption

d. She is hit by a carriage.
10:  Who says the following: “But I’m afraid you can’t dear … Not unless you take me with you … That is, if the doctors will let me go … but I’m afraid they won’t. For you see … I’ve been sure since this morning of something I’ve been so longing and hoping for.”

a. Ellen

b. May

c. Medora Manson

d. Regina Beaufort
11:  Who says the following: “Wasn’t she – once – your Fanny?”

a. Ellen

b. Newland

c. May

d. Dallas
12:  Who says the following: “I can’t love you unless I give you up.”

a. May

b. Newland

c. Ellen

d. Julius



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