The Age of Innocence, Part XXV summary
Part XXV of 34 · Book 2 · 12 min to read the part
In XXV, Archer returns to New York comforted by Madame Olenska’s restraint, but M. Rivière reveals that her family considers supporting her return to her husband. Although Rivière brings Count Olenski’s proposals, his conversations with her change his judgment, and he privately urges Archer to prevent her return, risking his employment.
What happens
- Archer feels reassured by Madame Olenska’s honesty and believes she can remain near him if he respects their limits.
- Back in New York, Archer encounters M. Rivière and arranges an afternoon meeting at his office.
- Rivière reveals that he brings Count Olenski’s proposals and that Madame Olenska refuses them.
- Archer learns that her family considers supporting reconciliation and concludes that they deliberately exclude him from their discussions.
- Rivière explains that seeing Madame Olenska changes his judgment, and he urges Archer to oppose her return.
- Rivière treats his appeal as ending his employment with the Count, and Archer thanks him.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Age of Innocence, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
In this part
What to notice
Rivière separates his personal judgment from his employer’s instructions. This distinction turns an apparent opponent into someone seeking Archer’s help.
Quick check
Why does Rivière change his mind about Madame Olenska’s return?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of The Age of Innocence, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
