Plot Summary
Undine's Ambitions and Discontent
Undine Spragg, a young woman from Apex City, is determined to climb the social ladder in New York. Her beauty and charm are her primary assets, and she is keenly aware of their power. However, her ambitions are often at odds with her family's modest means and her own lack of understanding of the social intricacies of New York's elite. Her parents, particularly her father, Mr. Spragg, are supportive but bewildered by her relentless drive for social success. Undine's impatience and dissatisfaction with her current status are palpable, and she is willing to manipulate those around her to achieve her goals.
The Marvell Family's Reservations
Ralph Marvell, a member of an old New York family, becomes enamored with Undine's beauty and vivacity. However, his family, particularly his mother and sister, are skeptical of Undine's intentions and suitability as a wife. They are concerned about her lack of cultural refinement and her apparent disregard for the values they hold dear. Despite their reservations, Ralph is captivated by Undine and believes he can guide her into their world. The Marvell family's unease foreshadows the challenges that Ralph and Undine will face in reconciling their different backgrounds and expectations.
Undine's Social Aspirations
Undine is determined to secure her place among New York's elite, and she sees her marriage to Ralph as a stepping stone to achieving this. She is eager to be accepted by the social circles that Ralph frequents, but her lack of understanding of their customs and her impatience often lead to social blunders. Undine's desire for recognition and admiration drives her to seek out influential acquaintances, such as the artist Claud Walsingham Popple, who flatters her vanity. Her social ambitions are a constant source of tension between her and Ralph, who is more interested in intellectual pursuits and personal fulfillment.
Ralph's Struggles and Sacrifices
Ralph Marvell is torn between his love for Undine and the demands of his family's expectations. He is aware of the financial strain that Undine's lifestyle imposes on him, but he is reluctant to confront her about it. Ralph's own aspirations as a writer are overshadowed by the need to provide for Undine's extravagant desires. He struggles to balance his personal dreams with the reality of his marriage, and his internal conflict is exacerbated by Undine's lack of understanding and appreciation for his sacrifices. Ralph's growing disillusionment with his marriage is a central theme in their relationship.
The Strain of Expectations
The pressure to conform to societal expectations weighs heavily on both Undine and Ralph. Undine feels the need to maintain a facade of success and happiness, even as she becomes increasingly dissatisfied with her life. Ralph, on the other hand, is caught between his family's traditional values and Undine's modern aspirations. The couple's differing priorities and the constant strain of living up to external expectations create a rift in their relationship. The tension between personal desires and societal pressures is a recurring theme in their marriage.
Undine's Unyielding Desires
Undine's insatiable desire for more—more wealth, more status, more admiration—drives her to make choices that strain her marriage and alienate those around her. Her inability to be content with what she has leads to a cycle of dissatisfaction and restlessness. Undine's relentless pursuit of her ambitions often blinds her to the consequences of her actions, and her lack of empathy and understanding for Ralph's struggles further deepens the divide between them. Her unyielding desires ultimately shape the trajectory of her life and her relationships.
Undine's Parisian Social Maneuvering
Undine Marvell finds herself in Paris, attempting to rebuild her social standing after a series of personal setbacks. She is determined to regain her place among the elite, but her past decisions, including her divorce, cast a shadow over her ambitions. Undine's interactions with the Parisian upper class reveal her relentless drive to secure a position of influence and respectability. She is acutely aware of the social dynamics at play and is willing to adapt her behavior to fit the expectations of those around her. Her encounters with various members of society highlight her strategic thinking and her ability to charm and manipulate those she meets.
The Estradina Connection
Undine's fortunes take a turn when she befriends the Princess Estradina and her mother, the Duchesse de Dordogne. This connection offers her a glimpse into the exclusive world of the French aristocracy. The Princess, who is restless and eager for amusement, finds a kindred spirit in Undine, and the two women quickly form a bond. Undine's association with the Estradinas provides her with opportunities to mingle with influential figures and gain access to social circles that were previously closed to her. However, she must navigate the complexities of these relationships carefully, as the expectations and customs of the French nobility differ from those she is accustomed to.
A New Life in Paris
As Undine settles into her new life in Paris, she becomes increasingly adept at managing her social interactions. She learns to balance her American sensibilities with the more conservative and traditional values of the French aristocracy. Her ability to adapt and her willingness to embrace new experiences allow her to thrive in this new environment. Undine's charm and beauty continue to open doors for her, but she remains acutely aware of the precariousness of her situation. She is determined to secure her future and is willing to make sacrifices to achieve her goals.
Moffatt's Unexpected Proposal
Elmer Moffatt, Undine's first husband, reappears in her life, now a wealthy and influential man. Their encounter rekindles memories of their past, and Moffatt proposes that Undine leave her current life to start anew with him. He offers her a chance to escape her current constraints, but Undine is torn between the allure of Moffatt's success and the societal expectations that bind her. Moffatt's proposal challenges Undine to consider what she truly values and whether she is willing to sacrifice her current status for a chance at happiness.
Ralph's Struggle for Custody
Ralph Marvell, Undine's former husband, is devastated to learn that Undine plans to take their son, Paul, away from him. He is determined to fight for custody, but the legal and societal odds are stacked against him. Ralph's internal conflict is compounded by his family's expectations and his own sense of failure. As he navigates the legal system, Ralph reflects on his past decisions and the impact they have had on his life and his relationship with his son. His struggle highlights the theme of parental love and the sacrifices it demands.
Undine's New Life Unveiled
Undine's marriage to Moffatt marks a new chapter in her life, filled with luxury and social opportunities. She revels in the attention and admiration she receives, but beneath the surface, she grapples with the emptiness of her pursuits. Her new life is a testament to her relentless ambition, but it also exposes the hollowness of her achievements. As she navigates the complexities of her new social circle, Undine is forced to confront the consequences of her choices and the true cost of her desires.
Paul's Lonely Realization
Paul Marvell, caught between his parents' conflicting worlds, struggles to find his place. His mother's frequent absences and his father's preoccupations leave him feeling isolated and disconnected. As he grows older, Paul becomes increasingly aware of the tensions between his parents and the impact on his own life. His journey is one of self-discovery and the search for identity in a world where he feels like an outsider. Paul's story underscores the theme of family and the longing for connection.
The Price of Ambition
Undine's relentless pursuit of wealth and status comes at a significant cost. Her marriage to Moffatt provides her with the material success she craves, but it also alienates her from those she once loved. As she reflects on her journey, Undine realizes that her ambitions have led her to a life of superficiality and loneliness. The price of her ambition is the loss of genuine relationships and the realization that true happiness cannot be bought. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked desire and the importance of finding fulfillment beyond material wealth.
Characters
Undine Spragg
Undine Spragg is a young woman from Apex City with a relentless ambition to climb the social ladder in New York and Paris. Her beauty and charm are her primary assets, and she is keenly aware of their power. However, her ambitions often clash with her family's modest means and her own lack of understanding of the social intricacies of elite society. Undine is impatient and dissatisfied with her current status, willing to manipulate those around her to achieve her goals. Her insatiable desire for more—more wealth, more status, more admiration—drives her to make choices that strain her relationships and challenge her integrity.
Ralph Marvell
Ralph Marvell is a member of an old New York family, captivated by Undine's beauty and vivacity. He is torn between his love for Undine and the demands of his family's expectations. Ralph is aware of the financial strain that Undine's lifestyle imposes on him, but he is reluctant to confront her about it. His own aspirations as a writer are overshadowed by the need to provide for Undine's extravagant desires. Ralph struggles to balance his personal dreams with the reality of his marriage, and his growing disillusionment with Undine is a central theme in their relationship.
Elmer Moffatt
Moffatt, Undine's first husband, reenters her life as a successful and powerful figure. His proposal to Undine offers her a chance to escape her current constraints, but it also challenges her to reconsider her values and priorities. Moffatt's presence highlights the theme of ambition and the allure of material success, as he represents both a past connection and a potential future for Undine.
Paul Marvell
Paul is caught between his parents' conflicting worlds, struggling to find his place and identity. His journey is one of self-discovery and the longing for connection in a world where he feels like an outsider. Paul's story underscores the theme of family and the impact of parental choices on a child's life, as he navigates the complexities of his parents' ambitions and failures.
Princess Estradina
The Princess Estradina is a member of the French aristocracy who quickly forms a bond with Undine. She is restless and eager for amusement, and she finds a kindred spirit in Undine. The Princess's connection to the French nobility provides Undine with opportunities to mingle with influential figures and gain access to exclusive social circles. However, the Princess's own desires and ambitions complicate their relationship, and Undine must navigate the complexities of their friendship carefully.
Duchesse de Dordogne
The Duchesse de Dordogne is the mother of the Princess Estradina and a prominent figure in the French aristocracy. Her traditional values and influence within society make her a key figure in Undine's social aspirations. The Duchess's approval is essential for Undine to gain acceptance among the French elite, and Undine must carefully manage her interactions with the Duchess to maintain her favor.
Mr. Abner Spragg
Mr. Spragg is Undine's father, supportive of her ambitions but bewildered by her relentless drive for social success. He is a self-made man from Apex City, accustomed to the practicalities of business rather than the complexities of New York society. Mr. Spragg is willing to make financial sacrifices for Undine's happiness, but he is often at a loss to understand her desires and the choices she makes. His relationship with Undine is marked by a mixture of pride and confusion.
Mrs. Leota B. Spragg
Mrs. Spragg is Undine's mother, devoted to her daughter's happiness and success. She is anxious about Undine's future and often feels out of her depth in the world of New York society. Mrs. Spragg is supportive of Undine's ambitions but lacks the understanding and experience to guide her effectively. Her relationship with Undine is characterized by a deep love and a desire to see her daughter succeed, even if she does not fully comprehend the path Undine has chosen.
Claud Walsingham Popple
Claud Walsingham Popple is an artist who flatters Undine's vanity and sees her as a means to further his own career. He is known for his ability to capture the likeness of his subjects while idealizing their appearance. Popple's rhetoric and admiration for Undine's beauty appeal to her desire for recognition and admiration. He represents the superficiality and opportunism of the social circles Undine aspires to join.
Peter Van Degen
Peter Van Degen is a wealthy and indulgent socialite, known for his extravagant lifestyle and lack of regard for societal norms. He is attracted to Undine's beauty and charm, and his attention flatters her vanity. Van Degen's influence on Undine is a source of tension in her marriage to Ralph, as he represents the materialistic and hedonistic values that Undine is drawn to. His presence in Undine's life highlights the conflict between her ambitions and the reality of her marriage.
Plot Devices
Social Climbing
Social climbing is a central plot device in the story, driving Undine's actions and decisions. Her ambition to rise in New York and Parisian society is a constant source of tension, as her desires often clash with the values and expectations of the elite. Undine's pursuit of status leads her to form alliances with influential acquaintances and navigate complex social dynamics to achieve her goals. This plot device highlights the conflict between personal desires and societal pressures, as well as the impact of ambition on relationships.
Financial Strain
Financial strain is a significant plot device that affects Ralph and Undine's marriage, as well as Undine's life in Paris. Ralph's struggle to provide for Undine's extravagant lifestyle creates tension and conflict between them. Similarly, Undine's desire to maintain a lavish lifestyle and uphold her social standing in Paris creates tension and conflict as she struggles to support herself. The pressure to maintain appearances underscores the theme of the material versus the personal, as Ralph's aspirations and Undine's desires come into conflict with the reality of their situations.
Cultural Clash
The cultural clash between Undine's background in Apex City and Ralph's old New York family, as well as between Undine's American background and the traditional values of the French aristocracy, is a key plot device that shapes her experiences. Undine's lack of understanding of the social intricacies of elite society and her impatience with their customs create misunderstandings and conflicts. This plot device highlights the challenges of reconciling different backgrounds and expectations in her pursuit of social success.
Custody Battle
The custody battle between Ralph and Undine is a significant plot device that underscores the theme of parental love and sacrifice. Ralph's struggle to retain custody of Paul highlights the legal and societal challenges faced by parents in such situations. This device emphasizes the emotional and personal stakes involved in the characters' lives and the impact of their choices on their relationships.
Material Success
Material success is a recurring plot device that underscores the theme of ambition and its consequences. Undine's pursuit of wealth and status provides her with material comforts but ultimately leaves her feeling unfulfilled and isolated. This device serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked desire and the importance of finding fulfillment beyond material wealth.
Analysis
"The Custom of the Country" by Edith Wharton offers a sharp critique of ambition and the societal norms that drive individuals to pursue status and wealth at the expense of personal fulfillment and genuine relationships. Through the character of Undine Spragg, Wharton explores the relentless pursuit of social climbing and the impact of cultural and financial pressures on personal relationships. The novel highlights the tension between personal desires and societal expectations, as well as the consequences of unchecked ambition. Wharton's portrayal of Undine's journey serves as a cautionary tale about the hollowness of material success and the importance of authenticity and integrity in the search for a meaningful and fulfilling life. The novel's exploration of themes such as cultural clash, financial strain, and the impact of parental choices on a child's life offers a timeless reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the pursuit of happiness.
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FAQ
Synopsis & Basic Details
What is The Custom of the Country about?
- Ambitious Apex City socialite: The novel follows Undine Spragg, a beautiful young woman from the American Midwest, as she attempts to conquer New York and Parisian high society. Armed with her striking looks and relentless ambition, she navigates a world of old money, new wealth, and shifting social customs.
- Marriages as stepping stones: Undine views marriage not as a partnership based on affection or shared values, but as a means to acquire wealth, status, and access to increasingly exclusive social circles, moving from old New York to French aristocracy and finally to raw financial power.
- Critique of American materialism: The story serves as a sharp social satire, exposing the superficiality, moral compromises, and transactional nature of American high society in the Gilded Age, particularly its "custom" of easy divorce and remarriage driven by financial and social aspirations.
Why should I read The Custom of the Country?
- Insightful social commentary: Wharton's novel offers a piercing critique of American culture, wealth, and gender roles at the turn of the 20th century, revealing timeless truths about ambition and the pursuit of status.
- Complex and compelling protagonist: Undine Spragg is one of literature's most memorable and controversial characters, a force of nature whose relentless drive and moral ambiguity provoke both fascination and frustration.
- Masterful prose and detail: Experience Edith Wharton's renowned writing style, characterized by sharp wit, intricate social observation, and vivid descriptions that bring the opulent yet hollow world of the novel to life.
What is the background of The Custom of the Country?
- Gilded Age New York: The novel is set during the American Gilded Age, a period of rapid economic growth, industrialization, and the rise of new fortunes, contrasting the established, old-money families (like the Marvells and Dagonets) with the arriviste wealth from the West (like the Spraggs and Moffatts).
- Shifting social landscape: It explores the tension between the traditional, often insular, society of old New York (Washington Square) and the more ostentatious, money-driven world of the newly rich (Fifth Avenue), highlighting how wealth increasingly dictated social standing.
- Cultural context of divorce: The narrative is deeply embedded in the changing social attitudes towards divorce in America, portraying how it became a tool for social and financial advancement, a "custom of the country" that shocked more traditional European sensibilities.
What are the most memorable quotes in The Custom of the Country?
- "She was not an immoral woman, but simply an unmoral one.": This phrase, though not explicitly in the text, captures the essence of Undine's character as perceived by others and the narrator, highlighting her lack of a developed moral compass rather than active malice.
- "It's better to watch than to ask questions.": Undine's internal realization (Chapter V) after observing the subtle social cues at the opera, revealing her keen observational skills and strategic approach to learning the rules of society.
- "You come among us from a country we don't know, and can't imagine... you come from hotels as big as towns, and from towns as flimsy as paper...": Raymond de Chelles' impassioned accusation (Chapter XLII) against Undine, articulating the profound cultural clash and the European aristocracy's view of the rootless, materialistic nature of the new American wealth.
What writing style, narrative choices, and literary techniques does Edith Wharton use?
- Sharp, satirical third-person narration: Wharton employs a detached, often ironic third-person omniscient narrator who provides biting social commentary and reveals the characters' inner thoughts, particularly Undine's, often highlighting her superficiality.
- Detailed social realism: The novel is rich in descriptive detail, meticulously portraying the material culture, social rituals, and conversational nuances of the different strata of society Undine encounters, from the gaudy Stentorian Hotel to the austere Washington Square homes and the ancient French chateaux.
- Symbolism and motif: Wharton uses recurring symbols, such as houses (representing different social worlds and values), clothing and jewels (signifying status and transaction), and even names (like "Undine," suggesting a creature of shifting, elusive nature), to deepen the novel's thematic resonance.
Hidden Details & Subtle Connections
What are some minor details that add significant meaning?
- Mrs. Spragg's physical inertia: Mrs. Spragg is repeatedly described with terms like "prematurely-wrinkled hand heavy with rings," "pale soft-cheeked face, with puffy eye-lids and drooping mouth," and "stores of lymphatic patience" (Chapter I). This physical description symbolizes the passive, inert quality of the older generation of Apex wealth, content with material comfort and lacking the drive or understanding to navigate complex social worlds, contrasting sharply with Undine's restless energy.
- Mr. Spragg's Masonic emblem: Mr. Spragg's heavy gold watch-chain with a Masonic emblem (Chapter I) is a small detail that subtly places him within a specific stratum of American provincial society – one based on fraternal organizations and local business networks rather than inherited social standing or high finance, highlighting the cultural gap between his origins and the world Undine aspires to.
- The recurring mention of hotels: The constant movement between hotels (Stentorian, Mealey House, Malibran, Nouveau Luxe) for the Spraggs and later Undine signifies their rootlessness and lack of belonging, contrasting with the established, inherited homes of the Dagonets and Chelles, symbolizing the transient nature of new money and Undine's inability to build a stable life.
What are some subtle foreshadowing and callbacks?
- Mrs. Heeny's "Go steady, Undine": The masseuse's repeated advice (Chapter II, VII) serves as a constant, albeit ignored, warning against Undine's impulsive nature and relentless haste in social climbing, foreshadowing the mistakes and setbacks caused by her impatience and lack of caution.
- Ralph's cave metaphor: Ralph's description of his inner world as a "secret inaccessible place" (Chapter VI) foreshadows his eventual retreat into himself and his inability to fully share his deeper life with Undine, highlighting their fundamental incompatibility and the isolation he will experience within the marriage.
- The pearl necklace: The pearls given to Undine by Peter Van Degen (Chapter XIV) become a recurring motif and source of conflict, first symbolizing her entanglement with him, then her father's moral stand (Chapter XXVI), and finally becoming the means of her financial independence (Chapter XXVI), illustrating the transactional nature of her relationships and her ability to convert personal entanglements into material gain.
What are some unexpected character connections?
- Elmer Moffatt's past with Undine: The revelation that Elmer Moffatt was Undine's first husband from Apex (Chapter XXXV) is a major, unexpected twist that completely reframes their previous encounters and Mr. Spragg's fear of him, revealing a hidden history that underscores Undine's early ambition and willingness to discard relationships that no longer serve her.
- Clare Van Degen's connection to Ralph's family: Clare is Ralph's cousin (Chapter III), a detail that initially seems minor but becomes significant as she represents the old New York world Ralph belongs to and later becomes a source of support and understanding for him after his divorce.
- Madame de Trezac (Nettie Wincher) and the French aristocracy: The discovery that the disdainful Nettie Wincher from Undine's youth (Chapter IV) is now the Marquise de Trezac (Chapter XXVII) and part of the exclusive French set Undine aspires to join highlights the unexpected ways past acquaintances resurface and the enduring nature of social hierarchies, even across continents.
Who are the most significant supporting characters?
- Elmer Moffatt: Far from a minor character, Moffatt represents the raw, unvarnished power of new American wealth and ambition, mirroring and ultimately surpassing Undine's own drive. His unexpected past connection to Undine and his eventual immense success make him a pivotal figure who influences her fate and highlights the novel's themes of money and power.
- Mrs. Heeny: The masseuse serves as a unique confidante and source of social information for the Spraggs, bridging the gap between their provincial ignorance and the complexities of New York society. Her practical advice and access to social gossip (via clippings) provide Undine with crucial insights, making her an unlikely but essential guide in Undine's early social education.
- Mr. Abner Spragg: Undine's father, though often passive and bewildered by her social aspirations, is the financial engine behind her early attempts at climbing. His business background, his past dealings with Moffatt, and his eventual moral stand regarding the pearls reveal a hidden depth and a different kind of "custom" rooted in provincial American business ethics.
Psychological, Emotional, & Relational Analysis
What are some unspoken motivations of the characters?
- Mr. Spragg's fear of Elmer Moffatt: Mr. Spragg's agitation and repeated warnings to Mrs. Spragg about Elmer Moffatt (Chapter I, IV, X) hint at a deeper, unspoken history and fear related to their past in Apex City, suggesting Moffatt holds some power or knowledge over Mr. Spragg that predates Undine's New York life and influences his financial decisions.
- Undine's need for external validation: Undine's constant need to be seen, admired, and talked about (Chapter II, V, VIII) stems from a deep-seated insecurity and emptiness. Her "secret pantomime" before the mirror (Chapter II) and her reliance on others' reactions for self-worth reveal that her ambition is driven by a need for external validation rather than genuine interest in culture or connection.
- Ralph's desire to "save" Undine: Ralph's initial attraction to Undine is intertwined with a romanticized desire to rescue her from her perceived crudeness and "Van Degenism" (Chapter VI). This unspoken motivation reveals his idealistic nature and his projection of his own desires onto Undine, rather than seeing her for who she truly is.
What psychological complexities do the characters exhibit?
- Undine's adaptive mimicry: Undine possesses a remarkable ability to adapt and mimic the manners and values of the social groups she enters (Chapter II, VII, XVII). However, this adaptability is superficial; she adopts external forms without internalizing the underlying substance or morality, leading to a psychological shallowness and an inability to form genuine connections.
- Ralph's disillusionment and retreat: Ralph's journey is marked by a psychological shift from idealistic hope to profound disillusionment and withdrawal (Chapter XI, XXI). His inability to reconcile his inner world with Undine's superficiality leads him to retreat into himself and his intellectual pursuits, highlighting the psychological toll of a mismatched marriage.
- Moffatt's compartmentalized personality: Elmer Moffatt exhibits a complex psychological duality, seamlessly shifting between crude, pragmatic businessman and a man capable of aesthetic appreciation and unexpected loyalty (Chapter XXX, XLI). His ability to compartmentalize these aspects allows him to navigate different worlds and achieve success, contrasting with the more integrated but less successful personalities around him.
What are the major emotional turning points?
- Ralph's realization in Siena: Ralph's moment of clarity in the ilex grove (Chapter XI), when he realizes Undine is "sick to death of being alone with him," marks a significant emotional turning point, shattering his romantic illusions about their marriage and revealing the fundamental gap between them.
- Undine's reaction to Ralph's illness: Undine's desperate reaction to the news of her pregnancy (Chapter XIII), viewing it solely as an inconvenience that ruins her plans, is a stark emotional turning point that reveals her self-absorption and lack of maternal feeling, deeply shocking Ralph.
- Ralph's discovery of Moffatt's past: The revelation that Moffatt was Undine's first husband (Chapter XXXV) is a devastating emotional blow for Ralph, forcing him to confront the extent of Undine's deception and the true nature of her past, leading to a complete collapse of his remaining illusions about her.
How do relationship dynamics evolve?
- Undine and Ralph: From idealization to alienation: Their relationship begins with Ralph's romantic idealization of Undine and her strategic pursuit of his social standing. It evolves through increasing financial strain, cultural clash, and emotional distance, culminating in alienation, divorce, and Ralph's tragic end.
- Undine and her parents: From dependence to manipulation: Undine is initially dependent on her parents for financial support and social entry. This dynamic shifts as she gains independence, but she continues to manipulate them for her own ends, eventually uprooting them for her European ambitions and later relying on her father's intervention in her divorce and remarriage.
- Ralph and Mr. Spragg: From awkwardness to mutual understanding: Initially awkward and culturally distant, Ralph and Mr. Spragg develop a grudging respect and understanding, particularly after Ralph's divorce. Mr. Spragg's quiet support and shared experience of Undine's difficult nature create an unexpected bond between them.
Interpretation & Debate
Which parts of the story remain ambiguous or open-ended?
- The full extent of Elmer Moffatt's past: While his first marriage to Undine is revealed, the details of his rise to power, his relationship with Harmon B. Driscoll, and the specifics of his "deals" remain somewhat vague and shrouded in financial jargon, leaving the reader to infer the full scope of his ambition and methods.
- The depth of Undine's feelings: Undine's emotional life is often presented through her reactions to external circumstances. The extent to which she genuinely "cared" for Ralph or Moffatt, or felt remorse for her actions, is left open to interpretation, allowing readers to debate whether she is purely calculating or capable of fleeting, superficial affection.
- The future of Paul Marvell: The novel ends with Paul, lonely and confused, surrounded by his mother's new wealth but lacking genuine connection. His future development and whether he will escape the patterns of his parents' lives remain unresolved, leaving his fate open to reader speculation.
What are some debatable, controversial scenes or moments in The Custom of the Country?
- Undine's reaction to Ralph's illness and pregnancy: Undine's self-pity and focus on her ruined plans when faced with Ralph's illness and her own pregnancy (Chapter XIII) are deeply unsympathetic and have sparked debate among readers regarding her perceived heartlessness and the extent of her moral failings.
- The sale of the pearls: Undine's decision to sell the pearls given to her by Peter Van Degen (Chapter XXVI), after her father insists she return them, is a controversial act that highlights her transactional view of relationships and her willingness to prioritize financial gain over sentiment or conventional morality.
- Ralph's suicide: Ralph's decision to take his own life (Chapter XXXVI) is a tragic and controversial ending for his character. Readers debate whether it is a logical conclusion to his disillusionment and despair, or an overly dramatic or even weak response to his circumstances, particularly the loss of his son.
The Custom of the Country Ending Explained: How It Ends & What It Means
- Undine's ultimate "success": The novel ends with Undine remarried to Elmer Moffatt, now a billionaire, living in immense luxury in Paris, surrounded by priceless art and entertaining the social elite. She has achieved the material success and social prominence she always craved, symbolized by the Saint Desert tapestries hanging in her ballroom.
- The hollowness of achievement: Despite having "everything she wanted," Undine is not entirely happy. She feels a lack of fulfillment, is bored by Moffatt's vulgarity, and realizes there are social heights (like being an Ambassador's wife) she cannot reach due to her divorce. Her final realization underscores the novel's theme that material success without substance or genuine connection is ultimately empty.
- The cost to others: The ending highlights the human cost of Undine's ambition. Ralph is dead, driven to despair by her actions and the loss of his son. Paul is left lonely and confused amidst his mother's opulent but emotionally sterile world. The ending serves as a final, stark illustration of the destructive nature of Undine's relentless pursuit of the "custom of the country."
Review Summary
The Custom of the Country is a masterful novel by Edith Wharton that follows the ambitious and ruthless Undine Spragg as she climbs the social ladder in early 20th century New York and Paris. Readers praise Wharton's sharp social commentary, brilliant characterization, and elegant prose. The novel explores themes of materialism, marriage, and the changing social landscape of the Gilded Age. While some find Undine despicable, others admire Wharton's unflinching portrayal of a complex anti-heroine driven by insatiable desires for wealth and status.
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