The Age of Innocence Lesson Plan

Medora Manson thinks that Ellen would prefer a life in Europe even if it means returning to the Count, but Newland is horrified by this idea. Explain the reasoning of both characters and which side you find more believable.

Medora acknowledges the Count's behavior is indefensible, but thinks that the benefits of the marriage still outweigh the benefits of Ellen's life in New York. With the Count, Ellen has a myriad of material luxuries along with an intellectually and artistically stimulating milieu. Furthermore, Ellen is respected and adored. Medora asks, "Are these things nothing?" Newland sees Ellen's former life as a "hell," and thinks it is preposterous that she...