Chapters 1,2

Well, so far the book seems pretty good, but I am just beginning. I have learned that Newland Archer is the protagonist and he is engaged to May Welland. The books starts off at the opera house in New York City. May Welland is a descendant of Mrs. Manson Mingott who Newland describes as old and obese. Lawrence Lefferts is a friend of Newland's and was considered the expert of "form" as Newland says but I am not quite sure what this means just yet. Mr.Sillerton Jackson is considered the expert on "family" he knew who was related to who and some gossip about them. May Welland seems nice but i haven't learned too much about her just yet. However at the Opera House that first night sitting in Mrs. Mingott's box along with others is a cousin of the Mingott's, Countess Olenska, she is a young girl but seems not too used to the high society she was thrust into that night. She was dressed strange and didn't attend the ball afterwards. I think that something happened between Newland and this girl in the past, but i do not know what just yet.