towards her, she realizes that New York is not as “innocent” as it seems. Rather than suppressing her feelings and beliefs, she rebels against the society’s
“innocent” masquerade. Based on the facts described above, it is interesting to find out how Ellen
Olenska’s rebellion against the patriarchal concept of womanhood in Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence. By knowing Ellen Olenska’s rebellion against
her society, a clear perceptive about the features of the society which is patriarchal society can be stated.
B. Problem Formulation
There are three problems formulated in this study. They are: 1.
How is Ellen Olenska’s character depicted in the novel? 2.
How is the patriarchal society depicted in the novel? 3.
How does Ellen Olenska rebel against patriarchal society in the novel?
C. Objectives of the Study
The purposes of this study are first to describe the characters of the main character, Ellen Olenska, and to prove the existence of the patriarchal concept of
womanhood in Ellen’s society. Therefore, it can be figured out how patriarchal society looks like. Second, it is also to find out the reason of her rebellion as well.
Third, the purpose of this study is also to reveal the ways Ellen Olenska shows her rebellion against patriarchal concepts of womanhood.
D. Benefits of the Study
Through the study of Edith Wharton’s work, The Age of Innocence, I look forward to having the readers especially the students of English Language
Education Study Program be more encouraged to discuss and analyze Edith Wharton’ works, especially The Age of Innocence. As a great female writer, she
had written many literary works, not only novels but also short stories, poetry, articles, translations, introductions, and reviews of poems. Her works are
reasonable to discuss since most of them are always inspiring. In The Age of Innocence, Ellen Olenska dares to rebel against patriarchal
concept of womanhood even though her family does not support her. She has the courage to break the rules of her society, the patriarchal society. The people
within the patriarchal society try to change her into a woman that is appropriate with their concept of a good woman but she refuses to do so. She knows what is
best for her. Therefore, I expect the readers can appreciate and learn something from her brave action to rebel against the patriarchal concept of womanhood. I
believe that by reading this study, which concerns about women’s issues, the readers will have a better awareness toward women’s existence and women’s
rights as well.
E. Definition of Term
