The Custom of the Country

In «The Custom of the Country,» Edith Wharton explores the intricacies of American social stratification and the often-destructive pursuit of wealth and status. Set in the early 20th century, the novel follows the ambitious Undine Spragg, a young woman whose relentless quest for upward mobility leads her through a series of turbulent relationships and societal encounters. Wharton's incisive prose and keen observations are hallmarks of her literary style, blending realism with a satirical tone that critiques the materialism and moral vacuity of New York's elite. The narrative is deeply embedded in the... Next