The novel paints a vivid picture of New York's upper class in the 1870s, obsessed with appearances, strict social codes, and the preservation of their privileged world. Characters like Newland Archer, engaged to the 'perfect' May Welland, find themselves torn between societal expectations and their own yearning for personal fulfillment. The story explores the high cost of defying convention and the sacrifices individuals make for love and self-discovery.

Countess Olenska, an American who returns to New York after a scandalous separation from her European husband, embodies this theme. She represents everything unconventional and intriguing, challenging the rigid norms of Newland's world. Her presence disrupts the established order, forcing characters like Newland to confront their repressed desires and question the true nature of happiness. The story examines how society both fears and is irresistibly drawn to what it perceives as different or threatening.

Wharton masterfully dissects the idea of 'innocence,' revealing it to be a carefully constructed facade in this society. The characters, despite their outward appearances of purity and virtue, grapple with complex emotions, hidden desires, and unspoken truths. The novel suggests that true innocence lies not in ignorance or adherence to societal norms, but in the courage to acknowledge one's true self and the complexities of life.