The Age of Innocence · Chapter
XX explained
Newland and May Archer are in London, where they reluctantly accept a dinner invitation from Mrs.
What happens
Newland and May Archer are in London, where they reluctantly accept a dinner invitation from Mrs. Carfry, an acquaintance of Newland's mother. At the dinner, Newland meets M. Rivière, a French tutor, and has a stimulating conversation about intellectual life and the possibility of moving to New York. May dismisses Rivière as 'common,' highlighting the growing divide between Newland's intellectual curiosity and May's conventional social values. Newland reflects on his marriage and the limitations of his social world.
Themes in this chapter
Class and Social Hierarchy
The chapter contrasts the intellectual aspirations of M. Rivière, a tutor seeking a better life, with the rigid social codes of old New York, which dismiss him as 'common.' Newland's inability to imagine Rivière fitting into New York society underscores the class barriers that define their world.
Illusion vs. Reality
Newland's idealized vision of marriage and intellectual freedom clashes with the reality of May's conventionality and the limitations of their social circle. His conversation with Rivière offers a glimpse of a more authentic life, but he ultimately retreats into the safety of his established role.
Tradition vs. Change
The chapter highlights the tension between old New York's traditions of social exclusivity and the emerging desire for intellectual and personal freedom, embodied by M. Rivière's quest for a new life in America.
Characters to notice
- Newland Archer
Engages in an intellectually stimulating conversation with M. Rivière, feeling a renewed sense of curiosity. He struggles with May's conventional dismissal of Rivière and reflects on the constraints of his marriage and social milieu.
- May Welland
Now May Archer, she displays social anxiety about the London dinner party and dismisses M. Rivière as 'common' and 'clever,' revealing her adherence to old New York's social codes and her growing distance from Newland's intellectual interests.
- M. Rivière
A French tutor who engages Newland in a deep conversation about intellectual life and the possibility of finding work in New York. He represents a world of ideas and ambition that contrasts sharply with New York society.
- Mrs. Archer
Newland's mother, who established the connection with Mrs. Carfry through a chance encounter in Botzen. Her strict adherence to 'dignified' social conduct influences the Archers' behavior abroad.
- Janey Archer
Newland's sister, who accompanied Mrs. Archer on their European travels and helped forge the friendship with Mrs. Carfry and Miss Harle.
- Mrs. Carfry
An English lady who, with her sister Miss Harle, became a persistent friend of the Archer family after being helped by Mrs. Archer in Botzen. She hosts the dinner party that Newland and May attend.
Key passages
“Voyez-vous, Monsieur, to be able to look life in the face: that’s worth living in a garret for, isn’t it?”
M. Rivière tells Newland that the ability to confront life honestly is worth any sacrifice, even poverty.
This quote captures Rivière's intellectual idealism and his willingness to trade material comfort for authenticity, a theme that resonates with Newland's own unspoken desires.
“The little Frenchman? Wasn’t he dreadfully common?”
May dismisses M. Rivière as socially inferior and vulgar.
May's reaction reveals her adherence to old New York's social hierarchy and her inability to appreciate intellectual merit, highlighting the growing divide between her and Newland.
“It’s their armour, their defence against the unknown, and their defiance of it.”
Newland reflects that women's elaborate dress serves as a protective shield against the uncertainties of the world.
This insight shows Newland's growing awareness of the social performances that govern his world, particularly the role of women in maintaining appearances.
