The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

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The Age of Innocence Social classes have been imbedded into society ever since the establishment of a hierarchy. In The Age of Innocence written by Edith Wharton, Archer is a prime example of emptiness due to the injustice of the social class. Humanity becomes shallow when one focuses on material possessions to determine value or popularity. In The Age of Innocence, the author explores the life of high society in the early Victorian-Era New York. The upper class view themselves as more important than the people below them. They are also simple minded, they view the poor as useless and not valuable because of their social status. Lastly, Wharton questions whether the class system is truly necessary because it creates unfairness in society by disregarding the people below them. Although, money is important for the growth of the economy, it creates conflict when others are dismissed because of their wealth. The higher society views themselves as superior because of their “net worth.” Money is valued so highly that you are shamed if you lose it, And when she said: But my name, Auntie my name's Regina Dallas,' I said: It was Beaufort when he covered you with jewels, and it's got to stay Beaufort now that he's covered you with shame' (Wharton 271). Lauren Tomlinson stressed the idea of how “money is used as a symbol of human value.” Tomlinson agrees that materialistic values are flawed in the world of the novel. Their vain society focuses on lavish parties and opera shows as a way of determining who is important and who is not. Indeed, she always gave her ball on an Opera night in order to emphasize her complete superiority to household cares, and her possession of a staff of servants competent to organise every detail of the entert... ... middle of paper ... ...nocence is a warning to humanity that we will be very shallow and hated if one continues to put wealth before others. Works Cited Bussey, Jennifer. "Critical Essay on 'The Age of Innocence'."." Literature Resource Center. N.p., 13 May 2013. Web. 14 May 2014. . "Literary Analysis of The Age of Innocence." Literary Analysis of The Age of Innocence. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2014. . Tomlinson, Lauren . "Literary Analysis Money and Human value in the Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton." Humanities 360. N.p., 28 Apr. 2008. Web. 13 May 2014. . Wharton, Edith . The Age of Innocence. New York: Knopf Publishing Group, 1993. Print.

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