Edith Wharton’s novel, “The Custom of the Country,” is a complex and nuanced exploration of American society at the turn of the 20th century. Through the character of Undine Spragg, a young woman from the Midwest who moves to New York City in search of social status and wealth, Wharton delves into themes of class, gender, and power. In this comprehensive literary analysis, we will examine the novel’s plot, characters, themes, and literary devices to gain a deeper understanding of Wharton’s critique of American society.
The Custom of the Country: A Comprehensive Literary Analysis by Edith Wharton
Edith Wharton’s novel, The Custom of the Country, is a scathing critique of the American aristocracy and their obsession with wealth and status. The protagonist, Undine Spragg, is a beautiful and ambitious young woman who is determined to climb the social ladder at any cost. She marries several wealthy men, but is never satisfied and always wants more. Wharton uses Undine’s character to expose the greed and shallowness of the upper class, and to show how their obsession with money and status leads to their downfall. The novel is a powerful commentary on the corrupting influence of wealth and the emptiness of a life lived solely for material gain. Wharton’s writing is sharp and incisive, and her characters are complex and nuanced. The Custom of the Country is a must-read for anyone interested in the social and cultural history of America, and for those who appreciate great literature.
Plot Summary
The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton is a novel that follows the story of Undine Spragg, a young woman from the Midwest who moves to New York City with her parents in search of wealth and social status. Undine is determined to climb the social ladder and marry into a wealthy family, but her lack of social graces and her selfishness make it difficult for her to achieve her goals. She marries Ralph Marvell, a member of an old New York family, but soon becomes dissatisfied with his lack of wealth and social standing. She divorces him and marries a French aristocrat, but her attempts to fit into French society are unsuccessful. In the end, Undine is left alone and unhappy, having failed to find the happiness and social status she so desperately sought. The novel is a scathing critique of the social climbing and materialism of the early 20th century, and a warning against the dangers of pursuing wealth and status at any cost.
Main Characters
Undoubtedly, the protagonist of The Custom of the Country is the ambitious and self-centered Undine Spragg. She is a young woman from the Midwest who moves to New York City with her parents in search of a better life. Undine is beautiful, charming, and determined to climb the social ladder at any cost. She is willing to sacrifice her own happiness and the well-being of those around her to achieve her goals. Throughout the novel, Undine marries several wealthy men, but she is never satisfied with her position in society and always wants more.
Undine’s character is a critique of the American culture of the early 20th century, which valued materialism and social status above all else. She embodies the idea of the “new woman” who was emerging at the time, but in a negative way. Undine is selfish, manipulative, and lacks empathy for others. She is a product of her environment, where success is measured by wealth and social status.
Other important characters in the novel include Undine’s first husband, Ralph Marvell, who is a sensitive and idealistic writer, and her second husband, Peter Van Degen, who is a wealthy businessman. Both men are in love with Undine, but they represent different values and ideals. Ralph is a romantic who believes in art and beauty, while Peter is a pragmatic man who values money and power.
Overall, the main characters in The Custom of the Country are complex and multi-dimensional. They represent different aspects of American society and culture at the turn of the century. Edith Wharton’s portrayal of these characters is a commentary on the values and beliefs of her time, and her novel remains relevant today as a critique of the pursuit of wealth and status at the expense of human relationships and happiness.
Setting and Historical Context
The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton is set in the early 20th century, a time when the United States was experiencing significant social and economic changes. The novel takes place in New York City and Europe, specifically Paris and London. The setting of the novel is crucial to understanding the characters and their motivations. Wharton’s depiction of the upper-class society in New York City is a scathing critique of the social norms and customs of the time. The novel explores themes of class, gender, and the pursuit of wealth and status. The historical context of the novel is also important to consider. The early 20th century was a time of great change in the United States, with the rise of industrialization and the emergence of a new middle class. The novel reflects these changes and the tensions they created in society. Overall, the setting and historical context of The Custom of the Country provide a rich backdrop for Wharton’s exploration of the human condition and the complexities of social relationships.
Themes and Motifs
One of the prominent themes in Edith Wharton’s novel, The Custom of the Country, is the pursuit of wealth and social status. The protagonist, Undine Spragg, is a young woman from a small town who dreams of making it big in New York City. She is determined to climb the social ladder and become a part of the elite society. Undine’s obsession with wealth and status drives her to marry multiple times, each time hoping to gain more wealth and social standing. However, her greed and ambition ultimately lead to her downfall.
Another important theme in the novel is the role of women in society. Undine is portrayed as a strong-willed and independent woman who is not afraid to go after what she wants. However, her actions are often criticized by the other characters in the novel, who view her as selfish and manipulative. Wharton uses Undine’s character to comment on the limitations placed on women in society during the early 20th century.
Motifs such as fashion and materialism are also prevalent throughout the novel. Undine is constantly described as being fashionable and stylish, and her obsession with material possessions is a driving force behind her actions. Wharton uses these motifs to comment on the superficiality of society and the importance placed on appearances.
Overall, The Custom of the Country is a complex novel that explores themes of wealth, social status, gender roles, and materialism. Wharton’s use of motifs and symbolism adds depth to the novel and highlights the societal issues of the time period.
Social Criticism
In “The Custom of the Country,” Edith Wharton offers a scathing critique of the social norms and values of the upper class in early 20th century America. Through the character of Undine Spragg, a young woman from the Midwest who marries into New York high society, Wharton exposes the shallow materialism and ruthless ambition that underlie the glittering façade of wealth and privilege. Undine’s relentless pursuit of status and luxury, at the expense of her own happiness and the well-being of those around her, serves as a damning indictment of a society that values money and power above all else. Wharton’s novel is a powerful reminder that the pursuit of wealth and status can come at a great cost, both to individuals and to society as a whole.
Gender Roles and Feminism
In Edith Wharton’s novel, “The Custom of the Country,” the theme of gender roles and feminism is prevalent throughout the story. The main character, Undine Spragg, is a woman who is determined to climb the social ladder and achieve wealth and status. However, she is constantly held back by the societal expectations placed upon women during the early 20th century.
Undine’s desire for independence and control over her own life is a clear representation of the feminist movement that was beginning to emerge during Wharton’s time. Undine’s actions challenge the traditional gender roles of the time, as she refuses to conform to the expectations of a submissive and obedient wife.
Wharton’s portrayal of Undine’s struggle highlights the limitations placed upon women during this time period. Despite her intelligence and ambition, Undine is constantly belittled and dismissed by the men in her life. This serves as a commentary on the patriarchal society that existed during Wharton’s time, and the need for women to fight for their rights and equality.
Overall, “The Custom of the Country” offers a complex exploration of gender roles and feminism during the early 20th century. Through Undine’s character, Wharton challenges the societal expectations placed upon women and highlights the need for gender equality.
Class and Society
In “The Custom of the Country,” Edith Wharton explores the complex relationship between class and society in turn-of-the-century America. The novel follows the ambitious and ruthless Undine Spragg as she navigates the upper echelons of New York society, using her beauty and charm to climb the social ladder. However, despite her success, Undine is never fully accepted by the old money elite, who view her as a vulgar outsider. Wharton’s portrayal of the rigid class system and the struggle for social acceptance highlights the hypocrisy and superficiality of high society, while also exposing the harsh realities of social mobility in America. Through Undine’s story, Wharton offers a scathing critique of the American Dream and the corrupting influence of wealth and status.
Marriage and Relationships
In “The Custom of the Country,” Edith Wharton explores the complexities of marriage and relationships in the early 20th century. The novel follows the story of Undine Spragg, a young woman from the Midwest who moves to New York City in search of wealth and social status. Undine’s journey is marked by a series of marriages and affairs, each one revealing the power dynamics and gender roles at play in society. Wharton’s portrayal of marriage and relationships is both critical and nuanced, highlighting the ways in which societal expectations and personal desires can clash and lead to unhappiness. Through Undine’s experiences, Wharton offers a commentary on the customs and values of her time, while also exploring timeless themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery.
Style and Literary Techniques
Edith Wharton’s novel, The Custom of the Country, is a masterful work of literature that employs various literary techniques to convey its themes and messages. One of the most notable aspects of Wharton’s writing style is her use of irony. Throughout the novel, she employs situational irony to highlight the hypocrisy and superficiality of the upper-class society in which the protagonist, Undine Spragg, moves. For example, Undine is initially drawn to the European aristocracy because of their supposed refinement and sophistication, but she soon discovers that they are just as shallow and materialistic as the American elite she left behind. Wharton also uses dramatic irony to create tension and suspense, as the reader is often aware of Undine’s true motives and intentions before the other characters in the novel. This creates a sense of dramatic irony that adds depth and complexity to the story. Additionally, Wharton’s use of symbolism is another key element of her writing style. For example, the recurring image of the “custom of the country” represents the social norms and expectations that govern the behavior of the characters in the novel. Overall, Wharton’s skillful use of literary techniques enhances the themes and messages of The Custom of the Country, making it a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
Symbolism and Imagery
Symbolism and Imagery play a significant role in Edith Wharton’s novel, “The Custom of the Country.” The author uses various symbols and images to convey the themes and motifs of the story. One of the most prominent symbols in the novel is Undine Spragg’s name. Undine is a mythological water nymph who is known for her beauty and her ability to change her form. Similarly, Undine Spragg is a beautiful woman who is constantly changing her form to fit into the high society of New York. The name Undine also suggests the character’s lack of depth and substance, as she is more concerned with material possessions and social status than with personal values and morals.
Another important symbol in the novel is the house that Undine and her husband, Ralph Marvell, purchase in the countryside. The house represents the couple’s attempt to escape the corrupt and shallow society of New York and to find a more meaningful and authentic life. However, the house also becomes a symbol of their failure to achieve this goal, as they are unable to adapt to the rural lifestyle and eventually return to the city.
Wharton also uses imagery to convey the themes of the novel. For example, the author frequently uses the image of mirrors to reflect the characters’ inner selves and their relationships with others. Undine, in particular, is often described as looking at herself in mirrors and using them to manipulate her appearance and her image. This imagery suggests the character’s narcissism and her obsession with her own image.
Overall, the use of symbolism and imagery in “The Custom of the Country” adds depth and complexity to the novel’s themes and characters. Through these literary devices, Wharton is able to explore the nature of society, identity, and human relationships in a nuanced and thought-provoking way.
Irony and Satire
Irony and satire are two literary devices that Edith Wharton masterfully employs in her novel, The Custom of the Country. The novel is a scathing critique of the American upper class and their obsession with wealth and status. Wharton uses irony to highlight the hypocrisy and shallowness of her characters, while satire is used to expose the flaws and absurdities of their society.
One example of irony in the novel is the character of Undine Spragg, who is portrayed as a beautiful and ambitious young woman who is determined to climb the social ladder. Despite her beauty and charm, Undine is ultimately unable to find happiness because of her own greed and selfishness. Wharton uses irony to show that the very qualities that Undine believes will bring her success and happiness are the same qualities that ultimately lead to her downfall.
Satire is also used throughout the novel to expose the flaws and absurdities of the American upper class. Wharton satirizes the social rituals and customs of the upper class, such as their obsession with fashion and their tendency to marry for money rather than love. She also satirizes the hypocrisy of the upper class, who claim to value morality and virtue but are willing to overlook these qualities in order to maintain their social status.
Overall, the use of irony and satire in The Custom of the Country adds depth and complexity to the novel, allowing Wharton to critique the American upper class in a way that is both humorous and insightful.
Criticism and Reception
The Custom of the Country has received mixed reviews since its publication in 1913. Some critics praised Wharton’s ability to capture the essence of the American society during the Gilded Age, while others criticized the novel for its lack of sympathetic characters. The protagonist, Undine Spragg, has been described as selfish, manipulative, and materialistic, which has made it difficult for readers to empathize with her.
Despite the mixed reviews, The Custom of the Country has remained a popular novel and has been adapted into several films and television series. The novel’s themes of social climbing, greed, and the corrupting influence of wealth continue to resonate with readers today.
Historical Significance
Edith Wharton’s novel, The Custom of the Country, holds great historical significance as it provides a window into the social and cultural norms of the early 20th century. The novel explores the lives of the wealthy elite in New York City and their obsession with social status and material possessions. Wharton’s portrayal of this society sheds light on the values and attitudes of the time, including the role of women in society and the impact of wealth on personal relationships. Additionally, the novel’s themes of greed, ambition, and the pursuit of power are still relevant today, making it a timeless work of literature. Overall, The Custom of the Country is a valuable piece of historical fiction that offers insight into the past while remaining relevant to contemporary readers.
Comparisons to Other Works by Edith Wharton
Edith Wharton’s The Custom of the Country has often been compared to her other works, particularly The House of Mirth and The Age of Innocence. While all three novels explore the social mores and class structures of New York society during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, The Custom of the Country stands out for its unapologetic portrayal of the ruthless and ambitious Undine Spragg. Unlike Lily Bart in The House of Mirth and Newland Archer in The Age of Innocence, Undine is not a sympathetic character. She is driven solely by her desire for wealth and status, and is willing to sacrifice anything and anyone to achieve her goals. This makes The Custom of the Country a more cynical and biting critique of the society Wharton depicts, and underscores the author’s belief that the pursuit of wealth and social status can corrupt even the most seemingly virtuous individuals.
Adaptations and Film Versions
Edith Wharton’s novel, The Custom of the Country, has been adapted into various film versions over the years. The most notable adaptation is the 1934 film directed by Sidney Franklin, starring Constance Bennett as the protagonist, Undine Spragg. The film received mixed reviews, with some critics praising Bennett’s performance while others criticized the changes made to the original story.
In 2019, it was announced that a new adaptation of The Custom of the Country is in the works, with Scarlett Johansson set to star as Undine Spragg. The film will be directed by the acclaimed director, Sofia Coppola, who previously worked with Johansson on the films Lost in Translation and The Bling Ring.
It will be interesting to see how Coppola approaches the adaptation of Wharton’s novel and whether she stays true to the original story or makes significant changes. With Johansson’s talent and Coppola’s vision, this new adaptation has the potential to be a standout film in the literary adaptation genre.
Legacy and Influence
Edith Wharton’s novel, The Custom of the Country, has left a lasting legacy in the literary world. The novel’s themes of social climbing, greed, and the pursuit of wealth and status continue to resonate with readers today. Wharton’s sharp critique of the upper class and their values has also influenced other writers, such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Truman Capote. The Custom of the Country remains a classic example of American literary realism and a testament to Wharton’s skill as a writer.