Summary Twenty-six years later in a new century, Newland Archer, age 57, is sitting in his library on East 39th Street, having just returned from a ceremony for new galleries in the Metropolitan Museum. He is in a reflective mood, brought about by his memories of meeting the Countess there […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 2: Chapter XXXIVSummary and Analysis Book 2: Chapters XXXI-XXXIII
Summary Newland’s plan is to speak to Ellen, find out what train she will take to Washington, join her, and run away with her to Japan. He will leave a note for May. However, he drops this plan with relief when he learns from Mrs. Mingott that Ellen will be […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 2: Chapters XXXI-XXXIIISummary and Analysis Book 2: Chapters XXVII-XXX
Summary The following Wednesday, Newland’s plans to go to Washington are postponed by a crisis in Beaufort’s business affairs. Scandal has caused a run on the bank and Julius Beaufort is anathema. Much talk is heard about “poor Regina” and how “her duty is at his side.” In the midst […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 2: Chapters XXVII-XXXSummary and Analysis Book 2: Chapters XXV-XXVI
Summary Returning to New York City, Newland again sees the face he saw in Boston — this time recognizing him as M. Riviere, the tutor from London. They meet that afternoon and Riviere explains that he is Count Olenska’s messenger. He tells Newland that the Count has sent new proposals […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 2: Chapters XXV-XXVISummary and Analysis Book 2: Chapters XXI-XXIV
Summary It is August, a year later, and life has set into a predictable pattern. The Archers spent the winter in the new house and rode in the new brougham the Wellands purchased for them. Newland has arranged his library, met Winsett and young friends for drinks, and he and […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 2: Chapters XXI-XXIVSummary and Analysis Book 2: Chapters IXX-XX
Summary Newland stands on the chancel step of Grace Church, waiting for his bride, his mind is utterly in a fog. When Medora Manson enters, Newland strains to see if Ellen has accompanied her, but Ellen has not come. Newland has to be reminded to give May his arm. The […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 2: Chapters IXX-XXSummary and Analysis Book 1: Chapter XVIII
Summary The Countess finally comes into the drawing room and, seeing the crimson roses, becomes angry and asks her maid to take them to Ned Winsett’s wife, who is ill. Her aunt is also sent on to Mrs. Struthers’ salon and, finally, Newland and Madame Olenska are alone. He hurts […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 1: Chapter XVIIISummary and Analysis Book 1: Chapters XVI-XVII
Summary When Newland sees May in St. Augustine, he feels assured that their engagement is the right thing to do. He tries to think of an argument to persuade Mrs. Welland to agree to an earlier wedding date, but cannot. Nor can Newland persuade May, who fears that he has […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 1: Chapters XVI-XVIISummary and Analysis Book 1: Chapters XIV-XV
Summary As Newland leaves the theatre he meets Ned Winsett, an acquaintance and writer. Winsett is bitter about working for a women’s weekly to support his family while he struggles as a writer. He suggests that Newland consider politics, where he can “get down in the muck” and accomplish good. […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 1: Chapters XIV-XVSummary and Analysis Book 1: Chapters XII-XIII
Summary On the way to Countess Olenska’s house, Newland sees Beaufort’s carriage leaving for some dark assignation. He considers, as he walks, the many differences between his mother’s world of the leisure class and the world occupied by artists and creative people. But when he reaches Countess Olenska’s house, he […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Book 1: Chapters XII-XIII