# Chapter XXIV explained — The Age of Innocence > Chapter companion for The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton. ## What happens Newland Archer and Ellen Olenska share a long, intimate lunch where they discuss her life in Washington, her feelings of being 'too different' for New York society, and her decision to stay for Medora Manson. Their conversation deepens into a confession of mutual love and sacrifice, with Ellen revealing that Archer's influence has made her see the value in the delicate things beneath New York's dullness. Archer confronts her about returning to Europe, and they agree to maintain their connection as long as they can look straight at each other, acknowledging that their love must remain unconsummated for May's sake. ## Themes in this chapter ### Sacrifice and Renunciation Both Archer and Ellen choose to renounce their love for each other, agreeing to maintain a platonic connection for May's sake and to avoid causing her disillusionment and misery. ### Illusion vs. Reality Ellen questions whether the values she came home for are a 'sham or a dream' if they require sacrificing genuine happiness, while Archer laments living a 'sham' marriage. ### Social Conformity vs. Individuality Ellen expresses her feeling of being 'too different' for New York society, preferring Washington where she can meet more varieties of people and opinion, contrasting with the 'blind conformity to tradition' she sees among her friends. ## Character check-ins ### Newland Archer Archer confesses that he married May because Ellen told him to, and struggles with the tension between his love for Ellen and his duty to May. ### Ellen Olenska Ellen reveals her deep feelings for Archer, explaining that he helped her understand the value of delicate things, and promises not to return to Europe as long as he holds out. ### May Welland May is the silent third party in the conversation, with both Archer and Ellen acknowledging that their actions must consider her well-being. ### Medora Manson Ellen mentions that she plans to make a home in Washington for Medora, who has worn out the patience of her other relations and needs protection from matrimonial perils. ### Julius Beaufort Archer asks Ellen if she says such things to Beaufort, revealing his jealousy and Ellen's past association with him. ### Dr. Carver Ellen discusses Dr. Carver as a clever man who wants a rich wife to finance his plans, and notes that Medora is a good advertisement as a convert. ## Key lines > It seems stupid to have discovered America only to make it into a copy of another country. Ellen criticizes New York society for merely imitating European customs instead of embracing the unique possibilities of America. _Ellen expresses her frustration with the lack of originality and conformity in New York high society._ > I'm the man who married one woman because another one told him to. Archer confesses that he married May because Ellen urged him to do so. _Archer reveals the depth of Ellen's influence on his life choices, highlighting his regret and the irony of his situation._ > Not as long as we can look straight at each other like this. Ellen promises to stay as long as they can maintain their honest, direct connection without acting on their feelings. _Ellen sets the condition for their continued proximity, emphasizing the importance of mutual honesty and restraint._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters/xxiv - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_age_of_innocence_se/chapters