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In 19th-century New York, the upper class had their own set of judgment standards and rules for life, emphasizing propriety and decorum. Young lawyer Newland (Daniel Day-Lewis) was no exception. He was about to propose to his well-matched fiancée, May (Winona Ryder). However, on the eve of their engagement, he reunited with May's cousin, Ellen (Michelle Pfeiffer), who had recently returned to New York from Europe after a divorce. The two instantly connected, and their feelings for each other grew strong. However, Ellen's bold actions and self-seeking attitude were not accepted or tolerated by the upper class. In the eyes of others, she was an obnoxious monster. Newland, however, recognized the value of this character and was enchanted by it. He realized that if he couldn't be with the person he loved, and if he spent his life living for propriety and decorum rather than for himself, life would be empty andPale. Newland wanted to elope with Ellen, but May was pregnant. Although they both wanted to pursue their own happiness, they didn't want to hurt others. Ultimately, they chose to let go. Newland married May, and the gentle May was always at the center of innocence. However, it was not until May's death that they saw the other side of things...