In the novel, Ellen bravely says that the van der Luyden is the dullest man she ever meets. No doubt, van der Luyden is an honored man in Old New York that
everybody always gives enormous respect to him. It is seen from Archer’s thought that no one will dare to give horrific opinion about van der Luyden. However,
Archer notices Ellen’s straightforward opinion is a rare thing that ladies in Old New York will ever consider to do.
Archer’s reaction towards Ellen also proves that she is a brave woman in every situation. Archer is surprised when he knows that Ellen stays at the Parker
House for two days without bringing her servant, named Nastasia. Nastasia; but isnt she with you?
No; Im alone. For two days it was not worth while to bring her. Youre alone--at the Parker House?
She looked at him with a flash of her old malice. Does it strike you as dangerous?
No; not dangerous— But unconventional? I see; I suppose it is. She considered a moment
Wharton 193.
What Ellen does is considered as a dangerous action. However, Ellen fearlessly does not state it as something dangerous but unconventional. Women are seen as
weak creatures in Old New York. Therefore, they are not supposed to go out alone without any escorts especially in an outlandish place like the Parker House where
Ellen stays Wharton 192. From the above proof, it can be concluded that Ellen is brave woman who dares to take any risks while living in New York.
3. Independent
When Ellen’s marriage has ended in disaster, she decides to leave Europe, returns to New York and lives there. At the first arrival from Europe, Ellen stays
with Lovell Mingott for a couple of days. Afterward she comes to a decision to buy her own house.
“I like the little house, she admitted; but I suppose what I like is the blessedness of its being here, in my own country and my own town; and
then, of being alone in it. She spoke so low that he hardly heard the last phrase; but in his awkwardness he took it up.
You like so much to be alone? Yes; as long as my friends keep me from feeling lonely Wharton 57.
As Ellen walks around with Mr. Beaufort, she describes a kind of life she wants to have in New York. It shows from Ellen’s thought that she wishes for starting a
new life in a safe and comfortable place that she feels she belongs to. She also states her desires to live by herself in a little house. However, it is described in the
novel that married women do not live alone, they have to stay under their husbands’ roof. If a married woman does not stay in the same house with her
husband, the society will judge her as a disgrace woman who makes a fatal mistake Wharton 221. Compared to May Welland who is said as a frank woman
with nothing to conceal and assure, Ellen is an independent woman, since she dares to take a risk of living alone even Ellen status is still Count Olenski’s wife.
Ellen also commits something unconventional to show that her life does not depend on someone else’s help. Ellen’s speech proves her independency by
refusing amount of money that belongs to her. But unconventional? I see; I suppose it is. She considered a moment.I
hadnt thought of it, because Ive just done something so much more unconventional. The faint tinge of irony lingered in her eyes. Ive just
refused to take back a sum of money--that belonged to me Wharton 193.
It is mentioned in the novel that Ellen’s husband offers some amount of money which is considerable enough due to the conditions of Ellen returning back to him
Wharton 194. By seeing the above proof, Ellen is considered an independent woman.
4. Artistic
