Edith Wharton Allusions

Edith Wharton masterfully weaves mythological references and influences throughout "The Age of Innocence" to enhance the narrative's depth and explore timeless themes. Through the characters of Newland Archer and Ellen Olenska, Wharton draws upon the foolish "hero" archetype and the figure of the forbidden temptress, connecting their struggles to those of mythological figures such as Orpheus and Helen of Troy. The Goddess Diana and the myth of Icarus symbolize the power of societal expectations and the potential consequences of deviating from them, as well as the damaging nature of man to misinterpret and discredit the true depth of the women in their life. By incorporating these mythological elements, Wharton highlights the enduring nature

While the novel primarily focuses on the themes of love, duty, and societal expectations, Wharton expertly incorporates mythological references and influences to add depth and meaning to the narrative. By drawing upon classical myths and archetypes, Wharton highlights the timeless nature of human desires and the enduring power of myth in shaping our understanding of the world.
I. The Entitled Archer: Newland Archer as a Modern Acteaon
Just as Actaeon fell victim to his own desires and suffered the consequences, Archer too finds himself ensnared by the restrictive social norms and expectations of his time, ultimately leading to his own emotional and psychological entrapment.
In Greek mythology, Actaeon was a skilled hunter who accidentally stumbled upon the goddess Diana while she was bathing in a secluded grove. As punishment for witnessing her nakedness, Diana transformed Actaeon into a stag, leading to his violent demise at the jaws of his own hunting dogs. Similarly, Archer finds himself caught between the societal expectations of his upper-class social circle and his forbidden desires for Countess Ellen Olenska, who represents a departure from the conventional norms of their