The Custom of the Country

"The Custom of the Country" by Edith Wharton explores the social changes and challenges of Undine Spragg, a young woman from Apex City who moves to New York with her parents in pursuit of a higher social standing. The narrative begins with Undine's dissatisfaction with her current social circle and her determination to break into the elite society of New York. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Spragg, are supportive but often bewildered by her relentless pursuit of status and luxury. Undine's character is marked by her beauty, charm, and a fierce determination to achieve her goals, often at the expense of those around her. The story delves into her interactions with various characters, including Ralph Marvell, a member of an old New York family, and Claud Walsingham Popple, a portrait painter. Undine's journey is marked by her attempts to navigate the complex social hierarchies and her struggles with the limitations imposed by her background. Wharton uses Undine's character to critique the materialism and superficiality of the society she aspires to join. The novel highlights the tension between personal desires and societal expectations, as well as the impact of change on personal relationships. Through Undine's experiences, Wharton provides a commentary on the changing social landscape of early 20th-century America, where traditional values are often at odds with the new consumer culture.