# IX explained — The Age of Innocence

> Chapter companion for The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton.

## What happens

Newland Archer visits the Countess Olenska in her modest house on West Twenty-third Street, where they discuss New York society and the van der Luydens' influence. Archer feels drawn to Ellen's perspective and her desire for freedom, but is troubled by the thought of Beaufort. After leaving, he sends yellow roses to Ellen instead of May, then retrieves his card, leaving only the empty envelope.

## Themes in this chapter

### Illusion vs. Reality

Archer sees New York through Ellen's eyes, finding it 'disconcertingly small and distant,' challenging his previous illusions about its grandeur.

### Gender Roles and Women's Autonomy

Ellen asserts her need for freedom, setting up her own household despite family disapproval, highlighting the constraints on women.

### Social Conformity vs. Individuality

Archer feels trapped by the ritualized family visits and societal expectations, while Ellen's unconventional lifestyle represents individuality.

## Character check-ins

### Newland Archer

Visits Ellen Olenska, feels conflicted about his engagement and his attraction to Ellen, sends her yellow roses.

### Ellen Olenska

Receives Archer in her rented house, discusses New York society, expresses desire for freedom, and asks Archer for guidance.

### May Welland

Archer's betrothed; he sends her lilies-of-the-valley but is distracted by thoughts of Ellen.

### Mrs. Welland

Oversees the round of family visits and insists on a full wedding trousseau, delaying the wedding.

### Mrs. Lemuel Struthers

Encountered at Ellen's house; invites Archer to her musical evening, showing her unconventional social circle.

### Ned Winsett

Mentioned as a journalist living in the same neighborhood as Ellen; Archer recalls his house.

## Key lines

> Being here is like⁠—like⁠—being taken on a holiday when one has been a good little girl and done all one's lessons.

Ellen compares her presence in New York to a reward for good behavior, suggesting a childlike relief.

_Ellen's analogy reveals her naive view of New York, which Archer finds slightly irritating._

> The van der Luydens are the most powerful influence in New York society. Unfortunately⁠—owing to her health⁠—they receive very seldom.

Archer explains that the van der Luydens' rarity enhances their social power.

_Ellen's insight that their infrequency is the source of their influence surprises Archer and makes him laugh._

> Is New York such a labyrinth? I thought it so straight up and down⁠—like Fifth Avenue. And with all the cross streets numbered!

Ellen jokes that New York's grid system makes it easy to navigate, contrasting with its social complexities.

_Ellen's comment reflects her outsider perspective and her desire for simplicity._

> He turned into his florist's to send her the daily box of lilies-of-the-valley which, to his confusion, he found he had forgotten that morning.

Archer realizes he forgot to send May her usual flowers and goes to the florist to rectify it.

_This moment shows Archer's divided attention between May and Ellen._

> He had never seen any as sun-golden before, and his first impulse was to send them to May instead of the lilies. But they did not look like her⁠—there was something too rich, too strong, in their fiery beauty.

Archer considers sending yellow roses to May but decides they are too bold for her, reflecting his perception of her purity.

_The roses symbolize Ellen's passionate nature, contrasting with May's innocence._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/ix
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters