1. Edith Wharton and The Age of Innocence by James Vineyard Sachse High School ELA Department

2. Edith Wharton Born in 1862 to a wealthy New York family Raised to reflect the role of most society women: to be a good wife Married to Edward Wharton in 1885

3. Edith Wharton Suffered a series of nervous breakdowns in 1894 Published first story in 1889 Writing grew out of emotional unhappiness Lived in Paris during World War I

4. Edith Wharton Never gave up the wealth into which she was born, as shown by her lavish Massachusetts mansion, The Mount Helped refugees in Europe during and following World War I

5. Her Writings Won the Pulitzer Prize for The Age of Innocence in 1921, becoming the first woman to do so Other famous novels: The House of Mirth (1905) and Ethan Frome (1911)

6. The Age of Innocence First published in 1920 Recalls Wharton’s childhood during the 1870’s Some consider it to be her “WWI” novel Shows the maze of oppressive society traditions

7. The Age of Innocence Major Themes: Appearance vs. Reality America as a place to start over Individual vs. Society The Quest for Individual Expression

8. The Age of Innocence Major Themes: Marriage as an oppressive institution Duty vs. desire On using detail ask: What is Wharton saying about this character/ event/ tradition by giving so much information about it?