The Custom of the Country (Masterplots, Revised Second Edition)
At a glance:
- Author: Edith Wharton
- First Published: 1913
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Social realism
- Time of Work: Late nineteenth century
- Setting: New York and Paris
- Principal Characters: Undine Spragg, Abner E. Spragg, Elmer Moffatt, Ralph Marvell, Paul, Raymond de Chelles, Peter Van Degen
- Genres: Long fiction, Social realism
- Subjects: New York, North America or North Americans, Northeast, U.S., United States or Americans, Suicide, Nineteenth century, New York City, Social issues, Paris, Divorce, Ethics, Business or business people, Scandal
- Locales: New York, NY, Paris, France
The Story:
Undine Spragg, who came to New York from Apex City with her parents, had been in the city for two years without being accepted in society. Her opportunity came at last when she was invited to a dinner given by Laura Fairford, whose brother, Ralph Marvell, had taken an interest in her. Although his family was socially prominent, Ralph had little money. He was an independent thinker who disliked the superficiality of such important people as Peter Van Degen, the wealthy husband of Ralph’s cousin, Clare Dagonet, with whom Ralph had once been in love.
About two...
[The entire page is 2183 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
See Also
