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The Age of Innocence, Part XXXIV summary

Part XXXIV of 34 · Book 2 · 23 min to read the part

In XXXIV, Newland Archer reflects on his marriage, public service, and changing society before traveling with Dallas to Paris, where Ellen Olenska expects them both. Dallas reveals that May understood her husband’s sacrifice, but Archer remains outside Ellen’s building and returns alone to his hotel rather than disturb his cherished memory.

What happens

  1. A museum visit prompts Archer to review his family life, modest public achievements, and enduring attachment to Ellen.
  2. Dallas persuades his widowed father to travel abroad before his marriage to Fanny Beaufort.
  3. In Paris, Dallas announces a visit to Ellen and reveals May’s deathbed account of Archer’s sacrifice.
  4. Archer wanders through Paris, feeling relief at May’s understanding and considering companionship with Ellen.
  5. Father and son reach Ellen’s building, but Archer sends Dallas upstairs and sits beneath the trees.
  6. After a servant closes Ellen’s shutters, Archer leaves the square and walks alone to his hotel.

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In this part

Newland ArcherEllenMayMrs. Archer

What to notice

Archer finds greater certainty in his imagined Ellen than in a reunion. This explains his decision to remain outside.

Quick check

What does Dallas reveal that May tells him before her death?

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