Archer Quote by Edith Wharton
““Archer had reverted to all his old inherited ideas about marriage. It was less trouble to conform with the tradition and treat May exactly as all his friends treated their wives than to try to put into practice the theories with which his untrammelled bachelorhood had dallied.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton, 1920
A man chooses societal expectations over personal ideals, showing how tradition can suppress individual thought and authentic relationships.
In simple terms: Choosing tradition over personal belief.
Key Takeaway
Question the cost of conformity.
Themes
tradition
marriage
conformity
personal freedom
social pressure
Mood
critical
contemplative
Type
novelistic
social
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- family gatherings
- career decisions
- political voting
- community events
Key Concepts
social contract
gender roles
psychological conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- What fears keep you from challenging tradition?
- Can you find balance between duty and desire?
A Different Perspective
Conformity can lead to personal dissatisfaction.
