The Age of Innocence

In the reading, M. Riviere comes to talk to Archer about Count Olenski's proposal for Ellen's return. Although his mission is to convince her; he, personally, believes that she should stay in America. He believes this because he thinks the American society has changed her. Is there any evidence for this? Also if Ellen has been changed why hasn't Archer given up his desire to be different?

In our most recent reading, Wharton raises the question: What makes Archer so different from Lefferts? What evidence can you find from the reading that helps answer this question?

The Age of Innocence

It is clear that Archer is not sure anymore about the marriage with May but at the same time he doesn't have the courage to leave her and to stay with Countess Olenska. Explain why Archer is attracted by the Countess Olenska and what are the reasons why he doesn't have the courage to broke up with May using specific references to the text.

Ambiguous Archer

In class the other day we discussed how Archer in one way wants to go against society and be free, and also how he also seems to like the safety of New York Society. Now that we have read farther into the book, what do you think he will choose? Will he continue on with his indecisiveness or will he make the decision to brake out of society's mold/stay in society?