Edith Wharton (1862–1937) wrote carefully structured fiction that explored the psychological and social forces shaping her characters' behavior. Her depictions of upper-class New Yorkers were unmatched. The Age of Innocence, which earned Wharton the Pulitzer Prize in 1920, is one of her most memorable novels. At the center of the story are three individuals whose intertwined lives are profoundly influenced by the strict and oppressive demands of high society.

Newland Archer, a reserved young lawyer, is engaged to the charming May Welland but falls in love with May's beautiful and unconventional cousin, Countess Ellen Olenska. Despite his fear of a dull marriage with May, Archer proceeds with the wedding—driven by his sense of honor, family loyalty, and societal expectations. He continues to see Ellen after the marriage, but his hopes for a passionate life ultimately fade. The novel's clear and insightful prose, vivid characterizations, and portrayal of the social history of the era have long made it a favorite among readers and critics alike.