The Age Of Innocence Character Analysis

Great Essays
In the novels, The Age of Innocence written by Edith Wharton and The Call of the Wild written by Jack London, there are two main characters that change entirely as the novels progress. These characters are reshaped by outside events that bring out their true inner selves that were hidden away because of their specific societies. The impact of external events and actions are what make these characters in the end. Newland Archer from The Age of Innocence, began as a man made from society norms. He follows all the roles as a man in the “Old New York” society. However, when he meets Madame Olenska, who shows him a more open society by judging their current one he starts to repel his own society but eventually reinstates back to his norms. Buck from The Call of the Wild, starts as a civilized dog in the South that is kidnapped to a new harsh world in the North. Even though Buck and Archer do a lot of thinking of their own, I believe their characters develop through external factors that reshape them on the inside. Buck is transformed by his new environment into a strong and independent individual, while Archer’s attitudes and ideas are altered by his relationship with Madame Olenska, …show more content…
The loyalty in these characters is what compelled them into their end character. Bucks loyalty to Thornton ensured Bucks mental and physical strength in himself. While Archer’s loyalty towards his society ended his relationship with Madame Olenska. But, Archer and Buck did differed in their strength and dependency. Bucks independency made sure he became the best he could be, when Archer rather let society choose is fate. Also the mental strength of these characters defined their statuses in society. Archer mentally could not overcome society while, Buck defined his society himself. These character contrast each other in many but come together on the loyalty they show in their relationships and

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