The Age of Innocence

1. What does Archer's reaction to the mysterious woman in the Mingott box tell us about how his social world operates?

2. Why does Archer feel so confident about his ability to 'shape' May into the perfect wife, and what does this reveal about his assumptions?

3. Why does Archer feel torn about Ellen appearing at the opera, and what does his final decision reveal about his character?

4. How does the Mingott family's social power allow them to support Ellen in ways that others cannot, and what does this reveal about how loyalty works in hierarchies?

5. How do the Beauforts manage to become New York's premier hosts despite their questionable past?

6. Why is Ellen Olenska excluded from the ball while the Beauforts, who also have scandals in their past, are celebrated?

7. Why does Archer feel relieved about marrying May instead of dealing with someone like Ellen?

8. What does Mrs. Mingott's unconventional living arrangement reveal about how society handles rule-breakers who have power?

9. How does Mr. Sillerton Jackson control the conversation about Ellen Olenska, and what power does this give him in the group?

10. Why do Mrs. Archer and Janey eagerly participate in discussing Ellen's reputation, even though they claim to be refined ladies?

11. What exactly happens when the Mingott family tries to introduce Ellen to New York society, and how do people respond?

12. Why does nearly everyone refuse to attend the dinner for Ellen, and what does this coordinated absence accomplish?

13. Why do the van der Luydens invite Ellen to dine with the Duke instead of simply telling people to stop gossiping about her?

14. How does elevating Ellen's social status solve the problem more effectively than defending her directly would have?

15. What specific behaviors does Ellen display at the dinner party that shock New York society, and how do the other guests react?