# XXII explained — The Age of Innocence

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

## What happens

Newland Archer, staying with the Wellands in Newport, learns of the Sillertons' garden party for the Blenkers and uses the pretext of inspecting a horse to drive to the Blenker house, hoping to see Ellen Olenska. He finds only Miss Blenker, who informs him that Ellen has been called away to Boston. Disappointed, Archer realizes the emptiness of his future without her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Conformity vs. Individuality

Emerson Sillerton's eccentric academic pursuits and garden party for the Blenkers defy Newport's social norms, highlighting the tension between individuality and conformity.

### Illusion vs. Reality

Archer's idealized vision of finding Ellen at the Blenker house is shattered by the reality of her absence, revealing the emptiness of his hopes.

### Class and Social Hierarchy

The Wellands' careful management of social obligations and the Sillertons' marginal status despite their lineage underscore the rigid class structure.

## Character check-ins

### Newland Archer

Drives to the Blenker house under the pretext of horse-buying, hoping to see Ellen Olenska, but learns she has gone to Boston.

### May Welland

Shows solicitude for Newland's plans and agrees to drive with her father, gently reminding Newland of his lack of foresight.

### Mrs. Welland

Arranges social obligations for the family, distressed by Newland's lack of planning, and reads the Sillerton invitation aloud.

### Mr. Welland

Anxious about the awkward timing of the Sillerton party, which interferes with his medical regimen and drive.

### Ellen Olenska

Mentioned as having been called away to Boston; her absence leaves Archer feeling empty.

### Miss Blenker

The only occupant of the Blenker house; she tells Archer of Ellen's departure and displays coquettish behavior.

### Emerson Sillerton

Hosts the garden party for the Blenkers; his eccentricities are a source of social discomfort.

### Mrs. Emerson Sillerton

Co-hosts the garden party; her husband's unconventional behavior is lamented by society.

## Key lines

> He simply felt that if he could carry away the vision of the spot of earth she walked on, and the way the sky and sea enclosed it, the rest of the world might seem less empty.

He believed that if he could just see the place where she lived, the world would feel less hollow.

_Archer's longing for Ellen is expressed through a desire to connect with her physical surroundings._

> His whole future seemed suddenly to be unrolled before him; and passing down its endless emptiness he saw the dwindling figure of a man to whom nothing was ever to happen.

He envisioned a future stretching out before him, empty and eventless, with himself as a shrinking figure.

_Archer's despair upon learning Ellen is gone reveals his sense of a meaningless life without her._

## Links

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