The Age of Innocence revolves around the development of Newland Archer. Throughout much of the narrative, Edith Wharton confines herself to Archer's perspective, raising the question of how reliable his understanding of events truly is. One topic for group discussion could be whether May Welland Archer and Countess Olenska grasp aspects of their situation that Archer misses. Another point of debate is whether there is a familial or societal conspiracy against Archer, or if such a notion is purely his imagination. Additionally, it is worth considering whether Archer undergoes any significant change or growth due to his relationship with Countess Olenska.

Other themes also emerge in The Age of Innocence. Readers might reflect on what Wharton intends with the contrast between European decadence and American morality. Why does she equate respectability with dullness and monotony in this novel? What role does the artist play in this New York society, and did New Yorkers have their own effective ways of managing immoral behavior, despite being scandalized by European methods?

1. Is the title of Edith Wharton's novel appropriate? What connotations of the word innocence are relevant to the New York of the 1870s?

2. May Archer is perceived as a dull, unimaginative woman by Newland Archer after their marriage. Aside from the revelation at the novel’s end, is there evidence that Archer misinterprets his wife throughout the story?

3. What is a dilettante? What are the implications of this term? Why does Wharton label Newland Archer as a dilettante?

4. What moral decisions does Countess Olenska face? How would Edith Wharton expect us to judge her actions?

5. Examine the description of scenes from Faust at the beginning of the novel. How do these scenes reflect the novel's major themes?

6. Does Newland Archer make conscious choices during the novel, or is he simply swept along by the circumstances?

7. How do the secondary female characters — Regina Beaufort, Janey Archer, Mrs. Welland, Louise van der Luyden, Medora Manson, Mrs. Catherine Spicer Mingott, and Mrs. Lemuel Struthers — serve as contrasts to May Archer and Countess Olenska?

8. What does Julius Beaufort's presence in the novel suggest about the morality of New York society? Why is he accepted?

9. Is Archer's decision not to see Countess Olenska after twenty-six years, at the end of the novel, consistent with his character?

10. What role does Ned Winsett play in the novel? Does his character reveal anything about Newland Archer?