Directions: Use the themes, questions and video clips below to teach and learn with portions of C-SPAN's American Writers program featuring Edith Wharton and The Age of Innocence. Link to the complete video clip list to identify clip descriptions and create your own lessons. Each theme contains questions and video clips appropriate for varying grade levels. Lesson Credit:
C-SPAN 2001 Teacher Fellow, Tom Watts and Curriculum Advisory Team Member, Barry Davis.

1. What is meant by the 19th century term 'society of birth?' What are some of the rights, privileges and duties of the members of this class?
2. How does someone from one social or economic class write about the struggles of another class which might be foreign to them?
3. What do you think writer's role is in interpreting history?
4. Do you think there is still a society of birth in contemporary America?
5. Describe the hierarchy of the society of the elite in the 19th century.

1. Describe the historical setting in which Edith Wharton lived.
2. Who coined the phrase 'The Gilded Age?' What does The Gilded Age refer to and what are some varying interpretations on the time period?
3. Do you see any elements of The Gilded Age among contemporary society?
4. In what ways do the technological advances of the 19th century impact society and business?
5. Describe how the feeling of superiority embraced by many members of the class into which Edith Wharton was born. Also, to what degree did they "feel sorry" for less fortunate members of society?

1. Describe the political, social and economic status of women during Wharton's time.
2. Was Wharton a forerunner in feminist society?
3. How does Wharton reflect the changing role of women in her written works?
4. Describe the institution of marriage in the society into which Wharton was born. How is this reflected in her work?
5. How did Wharton portray her male characters and how did this reflect the status of women at the time of her writing?