Initial thoughts on Age of Innocence

     Our first Literature circle assignment was the first ten chapters of Age of Innocence and thus far, I cannot see past the blazing gender stereotypes that pervade almost every part of the novel. So far, Edith Wharton (if she truly wanted this to be a "muckraking-esque" piece) succeeds in making me annoyed by the blind neutrality to gender discrimination in this "elite" New York society. The story introduces us to Newland Archer whom I cannot tell so far if the man is characteristic of an antagonist or protagonist. He seems to float around the skirts of this high society men. However, there is a point of distinction in his self awareness (besides the mere fact that eh seems to be the only one who is self aware or introspective at all). He claims that he is different from these superficial men though, but I will just have to see as I read further into the novel. I have noticed a lot too that women are pretty much like objects. the first metaphor that comes to my mind is a Thanksgiving turkey (I am already in the holiday spirit). For instance, at the Opera, the women basically "dress" themselves up in their finest jewels and attire to attract the eye of these high society men. This objectification is so central to the livelihood of this society I believe. Women seem just to be another object to attain just as the newest garment or best decor.. Thus, the I think that further into the book there will be the persistence of men having dominance over women. The objectification of women not only is impressed upon men I feel but also ingrained into the conditioning of the young women. I can only presume that from childhood they are taught to be obedient, soft-spoken, and kind basically be submissive and don't speak your mind so that you might find a good husband. The funny thing is though that the women in this cult of domesticity appear to be perfectly contempt with their "bottom fo the ladder" social status. May Welland is perfectly oblivious to Archer's sly and well-hidden view of her as a child.
      Thus, I I cannot refrain from referencing the title of the text. The "age of innocence" I believe is the period in time in which Wharton lived in which the only thing that fed the continuance of such ignorant, elite living is the innocence of women. Maybe she is stressing the strength of women. It seems that they are pawns in the grand scheme of things but maybe they are really keeping everything together...more to come on this later.