Question

What does Lawrence Lefferts' sleekly brushed head seem to mount guard over?

1) The invisible deity of 'good form'
2) The invisible deity of 'bad form'
3) The invisible deity of 'no form'
4) The invisible deity of 'unknown form'

Answer 1

Lawrence Lefferts' sleekly brushed head metaphorically mounts guard over the invisible deity of 'good form,' symbolizing the eternal, immaterial ideals contrasted with the imperfect physical world, reflecting aspects of Plato's theory of forms. The correct option is 1.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Edith Wharton's novel, The Age of Innocence, Lawrence Lefferts, a character noted for his strict adherence to social decorum, is metaphorically represented as guarding over the invisible deity of 'good form'.

This concept of 'good form' aligns with the ethical and social prescriptions of high society that were prevalent at the time.

Lefferts' impeccably groomed appearance and his dedication to maintaining societal norms emphasize an underlying theme in Wharton's work: the tension between the visible, change-prone surface of life and the unchanging, perfect ideals - reminiscent of Plato's theory of forms, where the physical world is an imperfect representation of the eternal, immaterial forms.