In every society there is always a "social hierarchy" where the richest and most powerful families monopolize the civilization in which they live. These incredibly influential families become the authority on what's right and wrong, what's acceptable and unheard of, and who belongs where in what part of the social circle. They sit at the top of the list and look down upon all the people who struggle their entire lives trying to be good enough to be accepted, and always living in fear of their actions. In the book The Age of Innocence written by Edith Wharton, the main characters go through their days trying to live up to the standards of the society of "Old New York", and worry about the reputation of their family names more than that of their own well being. From this book it is seen that an individual is shaped by his or her own society in which they live. This is so because the hierarchy predetermines their roles. By this it is meant that society expects certain things from people in the way that they act, present themselves, and live their lives. If the people do not conform to the lives that they are expected to live however, than they are exiled from the social circle, and cut off from all ties that once linked the two together. A very prominent example and common theme throughout the entire book is the place, and struggle of women to be, and know what is expected of them. In this book's plot women are trapped in their society, some trying to be persons that they are not, and others constantly looking for a way out to find their social freedom. Therefore Wharton is saying that women are constantly in battle with the Societies in which they live to free themselves as an individual from the social entrapment.
