The Age of Innocence · Chapter
Chapter XXXII explained
At a dinner party at the van der Luydens', the conversation turns to Ellen Olenska's visit to Mrs.
What happens
At a dinner party at the van der Luydens', the conversation turns to Ellen Olenska's visit to Mrs. Beaufort after Beaufort's financial scandal. The older generation criticizes Ellen's imprudence, while May defends her. Later, at the opera, Newland Archer reflects on his marriage and feels a longing to confess his feelings to May. After the opera, May reveals that Ellen is returning to Europe, having made her grandmother understand her visit was temporary. Archer is shocked and laughs bitterly, realizing May has orchestrated Ellen's departure.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Moral Duality
The dinner conversation reveals the double standards of society: they condemn Ellen's visit to Mrs. Beaufort while tolerating similar behavior in European courts, highlighting the hypocrisy of old New York.
Sacrifice and Renunciation
Ellen's decision to return to Europe, despite her feelings for Newland, represents a sacrifice for the sake of social propriety and May's happiness.
Illusion vs. Reality
Archer's perception of May as innocent and childlike is contrasted with her quiet manipulation in arranging Ellen's departure, revealing the illusion of his understanding of his wife.
Characters to notice
- Newland Archer
Attends the van der Luydens' dinner and the opera; reflects on his marriage and feels trapped; learns of Ellen's departure and reacts with shock and bitter laughter.
- May Welland
Pale and languid at dinner, but defends Ellen's kindness; later reveals she has seen Ellen and that Ellen is returning to Europe; shows quiet strength and understanding.
- Ellen Olenska
Discussed at dinner for visiting Mrs. Beaufort; writes a letter to May announcing her departure for Europe, having convinced her grandmother her visit was temporary.
- Sillerton Jackson
Makes a remark about the lax standards at the Tuileries, implying Ellen's foreign upbringing makes her less particular.
- Mrs. Archer
Criticizes Ellen's imprudence and suggests she never consults anyone; supports the van der Luydens' social stance.
- Mrs. van der Luyden
Hosts the dinner; expresses concern about Ellen's visit to Mrs. Beaufort and her lack of consultation.
Key passages
“At the court of the Tuileries, such things were pretty openly tolerated.”
Sillerton Jackson remarks that in the French court, behaviors like Ellen's were more accepted.
Jackson uses this historical reference to criticize Ellen's actions by implying her foreign upbringing makes her less morally strict.
“I'm afraid that Madame Olenska's kind heart may have led her into the imprudence of calling on Mrs. Beaufort.”
Mr. van der Luyden suggests Ellen's visit to Mrs. Beaufort was a mistake born of kindness.
This reflects the social judgment against Ellen for associating with a disgraced family.
“I couldn't have my happiness made out of a wrong—a wrong to someone else.”
May once said she would not build her happiness on another's unhappiness.
Archer recalls May's earlier words, which now seem ironic given her role in Ellen's departure.
“She understood my wishing to tell her this. I think she understands everything.”
May believes Ellen comprehends her motives and the situation fully.
May's statement suggests a deeper understanding between the two women, possibly at Archer's expense.
