The Defense Mechanisms Of Ellen Olennska's '

When someone is perceived as a threat to their social class structure as Ellen was, then a defense mechanism would be used to contain their structure by using cruelty like spreading rumors and defaming the person. Ellen Olenska was looked upon as a scandalous women who would ruin the class of New York’s elite. They were neglecting her presence in their society to an extent where no one even decides to show up to her introductory dinner. In chapter 6 it states, “New York society was, in those days, far too small, and too scant in its resources, for every one in it (including livery-stable keepers, butlers, and cooks) not to know exactly on which evenings people were free; and it was thus possible for the recipients of Mrs. Lovell Mingott’s invitations to make cruelly clear their
These cruel acts defamed Countess Olenska. Even before this unjust reaction, many assumptions were made about her by the people in this society. Mrs. Archer is Newland Archer’s mother and she seems very intrigued Madame Olenska’s gossip about her wrongdoings. During her dinner she says, “Mrs. Beaufort may not -- but Beaufort certainly does, for she was seen walking up Fifth Avenue this afternoon with him by the whole New York.” Everyone in New York is staying updated on Olenska and spreading rumors as soon as something is seen. She was seen with Mr. Beaufort and he is a married man, although Mrs. Beaufort doesn’t seem to know who Countess Olenska is, her husband is seen with her. Due to this her scandalous acts about eloping with a secretary for a year are questioned because she is New York and is already hanging out with a married man. Other comments are made by Mrs. Archer about her decision to go to the ball. Even though Olenka doesn’t go to the ball she is still judged for thinking about going to the