Countess Ellen Olenska, newly separated from her rich Polish husband, returns to Old New York hoping to re-establish ties with her family and friends. But the rigid structure of their society makes it difficult for her to fit in. Her independence, her impulsiveness, and her belief in personal freedom are a source of irritation to the scions of that society. However, those are just the things that make her attractive to Newland Archer. Newland, who is already engaged to be married to someone else, is enchanted by Ellen, and, in the end, is forced to choose between duty and love.
From the community