The Burdens Of Innocence

Considered from whichever aspect, Edith Wharton is a great writer in America and in the world. But for a long time, she has been regarded merely as "a writer of manners". The misunderstanding mainly arises from Wharton's aristocratic background and her description of the upper class in late 19^th century Old New York in most of her works. She is also considered as a nostalgia writer toward the old past. Confronted with the discriminations toward her works and herself, Wharton was discouraged greatly. Even after the Age of Innocence won her Pulitzer Prize, a longing for understanding often appears in her letters to close friends. Wharton appeals for critics and readers to discover the deep moral meanings hidden in her works. In her opinion, a novel without a moral theme is not real work of art. Her emphasis on morality is best revealed in the Age of Innocence. Through a study of the moral theme in the novel, this thesis aims to reveal the fact that Wharton is a writer with strong moral concerns.This thesis is divided into five parts.The introduction mainly talks about Puritan tradition in American history and the burdens it imposes upon the author Wharton as well as the two main characters in the novel. Puritanism is the most powerful force that influences every aspect of America from the colony days to present. The first settlers in New England are mainly emigrants from England who firmly believe in Puritanism. Puritanism used to play a positive role in the early development of America and in its emancipation from New England. After the 19^th century, it gradually losses control in political affairs. America is then gradually changing from an aristocratic society to a bourgeoisie one. The aristocratic class in New York is in the danger of losing their position in society. Threatened by the trend, the genteel class tries their best to control people's thoughts with Puritan traditional values. In order to maintain their social position represented by form and family honor, they require all the members to conform to traditions. Although Puritan traditions played an important role in maintaining social order and stability, it was also the repressing force that imposed great burdens upon individual freedom and happiness.Chapter one is about the burdens the Puritan tradition imposes upon Ellen, the heroine of the novel. She is a victim of Old New York society's rigid conformity to the Puritan tradition. Being brought up in Europe, she is different from the docile girls in Old New York in that she has her independent thinking and way of life. Fleeing her dissolute husband, she tries to establish a new life in Old New York. However, her arrival disturbs the genteel class's sensitive nerves. Her unconventional dressing and life style shock the traditional forces in the society. And they are afraid that Ellen will, threaten the social and moral stability of Old New York society. Therefore, all the genteel class refuses to attend Mrs. Mingott's welcome party for Ellen. And they would only accept Ellen on the condition that she gives up her decision to divorce, because a divorced woman will undoubtedly bring her family disgrace. In order to be accepted by the society, Ellen has to give up her freedom and happiness. Later, her Puritan self-denying spirit prevents her from loving Newland at her own free will. She has to hide her true feelings, and runs away from Newland and her true self. Unfortunately, she was eventually banished from Old New York society, because people around her assume that she has an affair with Newland. Ellen's tragedy reveals that individual freedom and happiness could not be achieved in a society controlled by Puritan values.Chapter two explores the futility of the efforts of Newland, the hero in the novel, under the burden of the Puritanical tradition. A prisoner of the social environment, he is a type molded by the society. His individuality is eliminated by society. He does everything according to customs. Just as his wife May guesses, he will never deviate from traditions. Not only is his behavior bound by the tradition but also his thoughts. After he recognizes the burdens that the Puritan tradition imposes upon individuals, he still does not know how to change his fate. He is restricted by conventions physically and mentally.Chapter three is about the rhetoric strategies the author employs to reveal the moral theme. Irony is the major technique the author uses to satirize the hypocritical Old New York society which imposes on individuals great burdens. Newland's wife May is the representative of the hypocritical world. The seemingly innocent girl is actually complicated and hypocritical. The author also satirizes Newland's true innocence and incompetence. Newland always thinks that he is superior to other young men. Ironically, it proves in the end of the novel that he is the true innocent one of society. Knowing little about the complicatedness of his wife and the society surrounding him, he lives in illusion that he can live a free life with the one he loves. But in reality, he dare not break with the society completely. Wharton also satirizes the hypocritical Old New York society. To reveal the cruelness of Old New York in repressing individual desire, Wharton uses the symbol of the white color to hint at their coldness. Living in the suffocating society, individuals could not speak out what they really think, they use symbols to express their true feelings. The gardenia Newland uses to decorate his lapel shows his secret passion for Ellen. Wharton also uses imagery to disclose the repressiveness of Old New York by means of Puritanical values.In conclusion, by describing the burdens the Puritan tradition imposes upon individuals in the Old New York society while taking in mind the situations after World War I, Wharton appeals for an ideal morality. She tries to reach a balance between individual desire and social order, both of which are important for the development of society. In her opinion, individuals should not violate social order and stability while pursuing individual freedom and happiness, and society should pay tribute to individual freedom and happiness while maintaining social order and stability. Judging by its strong concern for morality, The Age of Innocence has great social significance not only in her time but also nowadays.