The Custom of the Country

The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton

The novel revolves around Undine Spragg, a beautiful and cunning woman from the Midwest who rises to prominence in New York's high society through her marriages. She first marries Ralph Marvell, a member of an esteemed family, but soon becomes disillusioned with his lack of ambition and wealth. After divorcing him, she marries Raymond de Chelles, a French aristocrat, and moves to Paris. However, she finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage and begins an affair with a wealthy American, Elmer Moffatt. Throughout the novel, Undine's pursuit of wealth, status, and romance is juxtaposed with her lack of emotional depth and moral character.

By Edith Wharton · First published 1913 · Genre: Social Satire, Realism, Romance · 46 chapters · 166,077 words

First lines

"Undine Spragg -- how can you? " her mother wailed, raising a prematurely-wrinkled hand heavy with rings to defend the note which a languid "bell-boy" had just brought in.

But her defence was as feeble as her protest, and she continued to smile on her visitor while Miss Spragg, with a turn of her quick young fingers, possessed herself of the missive and withdrew to the window to read it.

"I guess it's meant for me," she merely threw over her shoulder at her mother.

"Did you EVER, Mrs. Heeny? " Mrs. Spragg murmured with deprecating pride.

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The Custom of the Country is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edith Wharton, dated 1913 CE.

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American Literature · Novel of Manners · Social Satire · Romance · Marriage · Divorce · Love Triangle · Upper Class · High Society · New York City · Rural Life · French Aristocracy

Contents

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