The Age of Innocence, Part XXXIII summary
Part XXXIII of 34 · Book 2 · 20 min to read the part
In XXXIII, Newland Archer and May host a farewell dinner for Countess Olenska, where he concludes that their guests silently assume an affair and support his separation from Ellen. After Ellen leaves, May reveals her pregnancy and admits that she told Ellen she was certain before she actually knew.
What happens
- May organizes an elaborate farewell dinner while Archer privately intends to follow Ellen to Europe despite her return of his key.
- Archer recalls discussions of Ellen’s financial settlement and her decision to live in Paris rather than return to her husband.
- At dinner, Archer interprets the guests’ warmth toward Ellen as a coordinated effort to separate them without scandal.
- Lawrence Lefferts condemns Beaufort, then privately asks Archer to provide cover for his own whereabouts the following evening.
- The van der Luydens take Ellen home, preventing Archer from speaking with her alone at her carriage.
- When Archer proposes distant travel, May reveals her pregnancy and admits telling Ellen before she is certain.
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In this part
What to notice
May admits that she presents her pregnancy to Ellen as certain before confirmation. This gives Archer new grounds for understanding Ellen’s departure.
Quick check
What does May admit about her earlier conversation with Ellen?
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