The Age of Innocence: A Novel of Ironic Nostaglia (Twayne's Masterwork Studies, (Paper) No 162)

SUMMARY: Written in an easy-to-read, accessible style by teachers with years of classroom experience, Masterwork Studies are guides to the literary works most frequently studied in high school. Presenting ideas that spark imaginations, these books help students to gain background knowledge on great literature useful for papers and exams. The goal of each study is to encourage creative thinking by presenting engaging information about each work and its author. This approach allows students to arrive at sound analyses of their own, based on in-depth studies of popular literature.Each volume: -- Illuminates themes and concepts of a classic text-- Uses clear, conversational language-- Is an accessible, manageable length from 140 to 170 pages-- Includes a chronology of the author's life and era-- Provides an overview of the historical context-- Offers a summary of its critical reception-- Lists primary and secondary sources and index Edith Wharton's The Age Of Innocence Has Captivated Generations Of American Readers Since It Won The 1921 Pulitzer Prize For Fiction. Subtle, Ironic, And Superbly Crafted, Wharton's Masterwork Is A Vivid Portrait Of Late-19th-century New York Society. The Author's Keen Observations Of The Restrictive Social Mores And The Position Of Women In 19th-century America Is Underscored By The Compelling Tale Of One Man's Inability To Achieve True Happiness With The Woman He Loves. The Novel's Popularity Endures As The Story Captures The Reader's Imagination With The Sheer Romance Of The Complicated, Yet Realistic Portrayal Of The Marriage Of Newland Archer To May Welland, And Of His Love For May's Cousin, Ellen Olenska. In This Volume - The First Devoted Exclusively To The Age Of Innocence - Linda Wagner-martin Not Only Examines The Historical And Social Influences Of Wharton's Time, But Also Incorporates Extended Analyses Of The Novel Itself. Wagner-martin Devotes A Chapter To Each Of The Principal Characters And Considers The Story From Each Character's Distinctive Viewpoint. She Also Considers The Age Of Innocence From Several Literary Perspectives - As A Novel Of Manners, As A Traditional Novel, And As A Modern Novel. Wagner-martin Traces The Critical Response To The Age Of Innocence, From Publication To The Present, And Examines The Novel's Importance In The American Literary Canon. A Chronology Of Wharton's Life And Literary Career And An Extensive Bibliography Further Enhance This Study. The Combination Of Wagner-martin's Sophisticated And Wide-ranging Critical Perspective And Impeccable Scholarship Makes The Age Of Innocence: A Novel Of Ironic Nostalgia An Invaluable Reference. Chronology: Edith Wharton's Life And Works -- 1. Historical Context -- 2. The Importance Of The Age Of Innocence -- 3. Critical Reception -- 4. Edith Wharton's View Of The Age Of Innocence -- 5. An Ironic Novel Of Manners -- 6. An Ironic Traditional Novel -- 7. A Modern Novel -- 8. As Newland Archer's Novel -- 9. As Ellen Olenska's Novel -- 10. As May Welland's Novel -- 11. Mothers And Daughters: Wharton's Pervasive Theme -- 12. Old New York: Postscript To The Age Of Innocence -- 13. The Oasis Of Nostalgia. Linda Wagner-martin. Includes Bibliographical References (p.105-118) And Index. Wagner-Martin (English and comparative literature, U. of North Carolina-Chapel Hill) examines the historical and social influences of Wharton's time, devotes one chapter to each of the principal characters, and finally considers the novel from several literary perspectives: as a "novel of manners," as a "traditional" novel, and as a "modern" novel. Paper edition (unseen), $13.95. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.