Opposing Relationships In Ellen Olenska's Newland Archer

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Newland Archer, a high-class man living in late-1800s New York, is engaged to the wealthy aristocrat May Welland. Just after a previous affair with a woman, Newland is trying to get by in life. Dealing with all of the ups and downs of New York, Newland also tries to get by all of the drama and high class “rules” of living. Soon May’s cousin Ellen Olenska, who was married to the Polish Count Olenski, shows up to town after marriage problems. The townspeople’s thoughts of her are debatable and her arrival brings much controversy. Newland, finding interest in her, pursues a friendly relationship at first. This friendly relationship causes Newland to develop romantic feelings, as he falls in love with her. This leads to many unresolved issues,

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