Old New York,Discipline,Failed Escape:A Thematic Interpretation of The Age of Innocence
In her novel The Age of Innocence,Edith Wharton explores the theme of"failed escape"under discipline,i.e.,individual's attempt to escape,in confrontation with the confining powers of the environment,is doomed to failure.The novel reveals the hypocritical characteristics of the upper-class society of New York in the 1870s,which emphasized rules and decency,valuing superficial pleasantness while brutally suppressing the true affections of individuals.The themes of the times contained in the novel such as discipline,decency and escape are interpreted in light of the historical background and social reality of Old New York in the 19th century,with an insight into the conflicts between the aristocratic conventions and the emotional pursuit of the individuals in a changing time,as well as the tragedy of the futile escape as a result of such destructive confrontation.
Edith WhartonThe Age of InnocenceOld New Yorkdisciplinedecencyfailed escape
NETL
NSTL
万方数据
