Super Short Summary

In The Age of Innocence, New York lawyer Newland Archer seeks a morally upright life by marrying May Welland, despite his attraction to her cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska, who has left her abusive husband. As Archer and Ellen struggle with their feelings, societal pressures and personal duty lead Ellen to leave America. Years later, after a life with May and three children, Archer cannot bring himself to reunite with Ellen in Paris.