Who Newland Archer is
Newland Archer belongs to a small circle of old New York families governed by strict, unwritten rules. He enjoys poetry and talk about books, and believes his outlook is broader than the world around him. Yet he also values belonging, even while he laughs at some of his society's customs.
What Newland Archer wants
Archer wants a wife who can speak to him as an equal, alongside the comfort of an approved marriage. He imagines helping May think for herself, without fully questioning the rules that shape her upbringing. His wish to be loyal comes into conflict with his growing attachment to Ellen.
Newland Archer and the others in the story
May is his fiancée, and he sees her as lovely, modest and steady. Ellen's plain speech and unfamiliar habits draw him into conversations unlike those at his own dinner table. When he is asked to discourage Ellen's divorce, he speaks for society while privately doubting its demands.
Questions
Who is Newland Archer?
He is the young lawyer whose feelings and choices guide much of the novel.
Is Newland Archer engaged to May Welland?
Yes, Archer is preparing to announce their engagement when Ellen returns to New York.
Why is Newland Archer drawn to Ellen Olenska?
Her directness and different outlook unsettle his assumptions and make his settled life feel less certain.
