1. Characters like to gossip
1.1. Characters at opera immediately respond to new person and gossip begins immediately.
1.1.1. Quote: Well, it's queer to have brought Miss Welland, anyhow." (in response to Ellen)
1.2. Mrs. and Miss Archer discuss in depth their thoughts on Ellen at dinner.
1.2.1. Quote: "Poor Ellen... We must always bear in mind what an eccentric bringing-up Medora Manson gave her. What can you expect of a girl who was allowed to wear black satin at her coming-out ball." (Mrs. Archer)
1.3. Quote Archer's New York tolerated hypocrisy in private relations; but in business matters it exacted a limpid and impeccable honesty. :
2. There's a lot of emphasis on social class and the items that people possess.
2.1. The Beauforts host infamous, annual ball despite not being considered honorable.
2.1.1. Quote: "But the Beauforts were not exactly common; some said they were even worse."
2.2. "The NY of Newland Archer's day was a small and slippery pyramid in which, as yet, hardly a fissure had been made or a foothold gained."
2.2.1. New York society is rigidly stratified, with the van der Luydens on top and everybody else in descending significance below them.
3. Characters relied on social status.
3.1. They didn't know what to do when something went askew or wrong.
3.1.1. Quote: "When Mrs.Beaufort appeared at the opera wearing her old smile and a new emerald necklace, society drew a breath of relief."
3.1.1.1. They care so much that they were nervous about what that meant for them, Also shows selfishness.