The Age of Innocence Lesson Plan

When does Newland realize about Mr. Welland early in this section? What does it show about Newland's sense of his own exceptionality?

Newland realizes that Mr. Welland, who he has always seen as one of society's most blind adherents, perhaps developed his total "absorption in trifles" as a defense mechanism. Perhaps even unimaginative old Mr. Welland also had desires for a life outside of the normal New York expectations, and "conjured up all the hosts of domesticity to defend himself against them." Though Newland does not make the connection himself, the reader may note that this section shows that Newland is not as special as he thinks. He feels like the only person...