Passage 143 · 1920
"The Age of Innocence" - Newland's Realization
Main effectThrough copulative definition of "way," euphemistic quotation, anaphoric relative clauses accumulating indictments, comparative hierarchies of scandal over disease and decency over courage, and final quoted condemnation of "scenes," Wharton creates syntax of social critique—grammar that exposes society's inverted values through its own euphemistic language.
Device index
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Tropes
Mild expression for harsh reality.
Meaning opposite to surface.
Schemes
Balanced opposition.
Repetition at beginning.
Syntax
"It was the old New York way"—subject-copula-complement with definite articles. Syntax presents as established pattern.
"of taking life"—gerund in genitive. Syntax defines method of living.
"without effusion of blood"—euphemistic quotation. Syntax marks phrase as society's own language.
"who dreaded...who placed...who considered"—three parallel relative clauses. Syntax accumulates defining characteristics.
"more than disease"—comparative structure. Syntax creates hierarchy of fears.
"above courage"—spatial preposition for values. Syntax makes abstract hierarchy spatial.
"nothing was more ill-bred"—negative with comparative. Syntax presents absolute social judgment.
"scenes"—scare quotes on condemned behavior. Syntax shows society's own terminology for forbidden emotion.
Close reading
1Close Reading
Copulative Definition
"It was the old New York way"—subject-copula-complement with definite articles. Syntax presents as established pattern.
Genitive Specification
"of taking life"—gerund in genitive. Syntax defines method of living.
Quoted Phrase
"without effusion of blood"—euphemistic quotation. Syntax marks phrase as society's own language.
Relative Clause Series
"who dreaded...who placed...who considered"—three parallel relative clauses. Syntax accumulates defining characteristics.
Comparative Construction
"more than disease"—comparative structure. Syntax creates hierarchy of fears.
Prepositional Hierarchy
"above courage"—spatial preposition for values. Syntax makes abstract hierarchy spatial.
Superlative Judgment
"nothing was more ill-bred"—negative with comparative. Syntax presents absolute social judgment.
Quoted Condemnation
"scenes"—scare quotes on condemned behavior. Syntax shows society's own terminology for forbidden emotion.
Stylistic Effect
Through copulative definition of "way," euphemistic quotation, anaphoric relative clauses accumulating indictments, comparative hierarchies of scandal over disease and decency over courage, and final quoted condemnation of "scenes," Wharton creates syntax of social critique—grammar that exposes society's inverted values through its own euphemistic language.