Open Prompt Revision #1

1.      1980. A recurring theme in literature is the classic war between a passion and responsibility. For instance, a personal cause, a love, a desire for revenge, a determination to redress a wrong, or some other emotion or drive may conflict with moral duty. Choose a literary work in which a character confronts the demands of a private passion that conflicts with his or her responsibilities. In a well-written essay show clearly the nature of the conflict, its effects upon the character, and its significance to the work.

The feeling of being torn in the decision between passion and responsibility is a situation familiar to almost everyone. Newland Archer from Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence is no exception. After the arrival of Newland's fiance's cousin, Ellen Olenska, Newland finds himself caught trying to decide between settling with his fiancee May, who is considered as the "perfect" woman, and following his passionate love for Ellen, who is anything but the idealistic woman.  Newland’s choice of remaining with May in the end despite his love for Ellen ultimately reflects his commitment to his moral duties and responsibilities.

After announcing his engagement to May, Newland knew that he was more than blessed to have such a flawless and proper woman agree to take his hand in marriage. Although delighted with May's innocence and beauty, Newland's true passion  was not evoked until his acquaintance with the mysterious Ellen, who brought along with her stories of adultery and divorce that disgraced the image of her family. Ellen's imperfections however became the sole quality that sparked Newland's strong attraction for her. 
Through Newland's eyes, Ellen's flaws were seen as elements that made her real and her lack of shame towards all of the judgement that she had to face just made her more admirable. Newland's passion for Ellen grew while his love for May began to simmer as he realized the dullness in May's so-called perfect characteristics.  Ellen's careless nature urged Newland to long for her more while the rumors that circulated around them of her disfigured past opened Newland's eyes to the flaws of the idealistic society that he lived in. Through Ellen, Newland begins to realize the superficial qualities of not only his community, but also his fiancee. As a result, Newland begins to despise the blandness of both May and the people around him while his desire for Ellen becomes more powerful. 

Although Newland struggles with the decision of taking a leap of faith with Ellen or settling with May, Newland ultimately chooses to go against his wishes and remain with May. Ellen may have opened Newland's eyes, but his dedication towards his moral duties of living a proper life outweighed his passion for the woman he loved and the realistic life that he desired. Through this story, Edith Wharton cleverly portrays the significant message that the result of taking responsibility over passion does not always result in happiness through Newland's decision.