The Concept of Symbolism in Edith Wharton’s “The Age of Innocence”: A Critical Analysis Anonymous 12th Grade

Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence, set in the 1870s, is huddled with symbolism as the author explores the rivalry and conflict between romance and responsibility. The novel explores the lives of Newland and may who marry to mucilage their family ligature. While the couple maintains an utterly distinctive ideology of a consummate, flawless, and ideal couple, the façade only serves the sole purpose of hiding their disconcerted and apprehensive marital lives. Edith Wharton engages symbolism in leading the reader towards a much more profound understanding of society and human nature. In this essay, a critical analysis of symbolism in Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence is presented using multifaceted and ingenious illustrations derived from the author's presentation of ideas in the novel.

Flowers form an epitome of symbolism in Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence. The novel is permeated with allusions to flowers than a bridal shower. Wharton uses the symbol of flowers to mask specific ideas, bringing them out with a twist at the same time. Wharton relies upon the affluent and relatively overlooked form of floral allegory and symbolism that conveys much more than just roses being a symbol of love. During her time, in the 1800s,...