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 her peers or others that were close to her family. Ellen seemed to be unaware, or possibly uncaring, about these societal 'norms' that everyone else had seem to be following. The only time Ellen really stepped back and let society's influence affect her is when she couldn't possibly hurt her cousin Mae. She more likely did this to spare Mae's feelings than to avoid the harsh possible disowning by her friends and family.

Both Ellen and Newland were forced to give up each other in order to continue to be a part of society. It was way more likely in the time set of the film to stay in a marriage just because of the repercussions than to do what would truly just make you happy.