# XXV explained — The Age of Innocence

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

## What happens

Newland Archer returns to New York after his meeting with Ellen Olenska, feeling a surprising tranquility despite their parting. He reflects on their balanced loyalty and honesty. In New York, he encounters M. Rivière, the French tutor he met in London, who reveals he was sent by Count Olenski to persuade Ellen to return to Europe. However, after speaking with Ellen, Rivière changed his mind and now seeks Archer's help to ensure her family does not pressure her into returning.

## Themes in this chapter

### Illusion vs. Reality

Archer's tranquil feeling after a seemingly failed meeting contrasts with the reality of his unsatisfied love; M. Rivière's initial mission based on illusion of Ellen's better life in Europe is replaced by the reality of her American identity.

### Sacrifice and Renunciation

Archer and Ellen maintain loyalty to others over personal desire; M. Rivière sacrifices his employment to speak the truth.

### Hypocrisy and Moral Duality

Ellen's family opposes her return for reasons they don't fully understand, while accepting societal norms that are unthinkable to her; M. Rivière's dual role as emissary and truth-teller.

## Character check-ins

### Newland Archer

Feels tranquil after parting from Ellen, reflects on their honesty, and later confronts M. Rivière about his mission.

### Ellen Olenska

Discussed indirectly; Archer recalls her sincerity and balance; M. Rivière describes her change and American identity.

### M. Rivière

French tutor sent by Count Olenski; after meeting Ellen, he changes his mind and seeks Archer's help to prevent her return to Europe.

### Count Olenski

Mentioned as the husband who sent M. Rivière to persuade Ellen to return.

## Key lines

> When you ask for a porter they give you chewing-gum.

American train stations are so disorganized that instead of hiring a porter, they offer you chewing gum.

_Archer humorously criticizes American travel services to M. Rivière._

> the discovery, I suppose, of what I’d never thought of before: that she’s an American.

I realized for the first time that she is fundamentally American, and that changes everything.

_M. Rivière explains his changed view of Ellen after meeting her._

## Links

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